What are the types of ataxia?

Some of the specific types of genetic ataxia include:
  • Ataxia telangiectasia.
  • Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia.
  • Dominant spastic ataxias.
  • Dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA)
  • Episodic ataxia.
  • Friedreich’s ataxia.
  • Recessive spastic ataxias.
  • Wilson’s disease.

What is the most common ataxia?

Friedreich’s ataxia is the most common type of hereditary ataxia (caused by genes you’ve inherited). It’s thought to affect at least 1 in every 50,000 people. Symptoms usually first develop before the age of 25, although it can develop in people much older than this.

Where is ataxia most common?

Ataxia is most often associated with degeneration of the region of the brain known as the cerebellum where movement, posture, and balance are coordinated. Thus, many of the symptoms and signs are those expected from cerebellar dysfunction.

How would you describe ataxia?

Ataxia is a term for a group of disorders that affect co-ordination, balance and speech. Any part of the body can be affected, but people with ataxia often have difficulties with: balance and walking.

What is the main cause of ataxia?

Ataxia is usually caused by damage to a part of the brain known as the cerebellum, but it can also be caused by damage to the spinal cord or other nerves. The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerves that runs down the spine and connects the brain to all other parts of the body.

What are the early signs of ataxia?

Symptoms
  • Poor coordination.
  • Walking unsteadily or with the feet set wide apart.
  • Poor balance.
  • Difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as eating, writing or buttoning a shirt.
  • Change in speech.
  • Involuntary back-and-forth eye movements (nystagmus)
  • Difficulty swallowing.

How do you diagnose ataxia?

Diagnosis
  1. Blood tests. These might help identify treatable causes of ataxia.
  2. Imaging studies. An MRI of the brain might help determine possible causes. …
  3. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap). In some cases of ataxia, this may be a helpful test. …
  4. Genetic testing.

What can be mistaken for ataxia?

“It is often misdiagnosed because it resembles other things like multiple sclerosis, stroke and Parkinson’s disease.”

What does it feel like to have ataxia?

Symptoms of Ataxia

Unsteady gait, staggering, tripping, falling, unsteadiness on stairs or maintaining balance on moving platforms, such as escalators or boats. These difficulties are often due to cerebellar dysfunction.

What medications cause ataxia?

Ataxia is a potential side effect of certain medications, especially barbiturates, such as phenobarbital; sedatives, such as benzodiazepines; antiepileptic drugs, such as phenytoin; and some types of chemotherapy.

How quickly does ataxia progress?

Symptoms may worsen slowly, over decades – or quickly, over mere months. Common symptoms of Ataxia are: Lack of coordination. Slurred speech.

How can you tell the difference between cerebellar and sensory ataxia?

Sensory ataxia is caused by the impairment of somatosensory nerve, which leads to the interruption of sensory feedback signals and therefore, the body incoordination is caused. For Cerebellar Ataxia patients, the Romberg’s sign was positive, the typical symptoms include walking slowly, rolling, etc.

Is there any medication for ataxia?

episodic ataxia can often be controlled with a medication called acetazolamide and by avoiding triggers such as stress, alcohol and caffeine. acquired ataxia can sometimes be treated depending on the specific cause – for example, antibiotic or antiviral medication may help if it’s caused by an infection.

What can be mistaken for ataxia?

“It is often misdiagnosed because it resembles other things like multiple sclerosis, stroke and Parkinson’s disease.”

Does a neurologist treat ataxia?

Our neurologists are familiar with the nuances of ataxia and related disorders. They work closely with speech therapists, swallowing experts, physical and occupational therapists, as well as genetic counselors, ophthalmologists and psychiatrists to offer a whole-person assessment and treatment.

How do you test for ataxia?

Genetic testing involves taking a sample of blood and testing the DNA in it for any genetic mutation known to cause ataxia. Currently, tests can detect the mutations responsible for Friedreich’s ataxia, ataxia-telangiectasia and most of the spinocerebellar ataxias.

What does gait ataxia look like?

Ataxic gait is often characterized by difficulty walking in a straight line, lateral veering, poor balance, a widened base of support, inconsistent arm motion, and lack of repeatability. These symptoms often resemble gait seen under the influence of alcohol.

Can ataxia be caused by anxiety?

Episodes of ataxia and other symptoms can begin anytime from early childhood to adulthood. They can be triggered by environmental factors such as emotional stress, caffeine, alcohol, certain medications, physical activity, and illness.