How ataxia can affect your health?

Ataxia is a term used for groups of neurological conditions. Several types of ataxia include ataxia-telangiectasia (AT), transient ataxia, Friedreich’s ataxia, multiple system atrophy (MSA), and spinocerebellar ataxia. This condition occurred when a part of the brain called the cerebellum is damaged. There is no cure for ataxia, but the symptoms can be treated.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type and severity of ataxia. The age of onset depends on the cause.

If ataxia develops due to genetic characteristics, it may be present from birth. If the cause is an injury or other health condition, symptoms can occur at any age.

In some cases, symptoms improve and eventually disappear. The first symptoms are usually:

• poor limb coordination
• Speech problems such as vague and slow speech, difficulty speaking, problems with volume, rhythm, and pitch control

Over time, other symptoms may appear, such as:

• Dysphagia leads to choking or coughing
• trembling, shaking, or shaking of a part of the body
• Nystagmus, vertical, horizontal, or circular, involuntary, rapid, rhythmic, repetitive eye movements

Some symptoms consist of:

• Lateral curvature of the spine or scoliosis
• weakened myocardium
• high arched legs

Conditions that can occur parallel with Friedreich’s ataxia include diabetes and heart problems that can lead to spinal, foot, heart, muscle, visual and auditory complications.

People with this type of ataxia will need supportive care throughout their lives.

Treatment

There is no cure for ataxia, but there is symptomatic treatment. Treatment depends on each person’s symptoms. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and improve comfort and mobility.

Medication helps manage symptoms such as tremors and dizziness. You can also check for muscle problems affecting organs such as the bladder, heart, and eyes.

Physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy can also help manage symptoms. Physical therapy and professional exercise are essential for maintaining balance and mobility and learning new ways to perform daily activities. People with ataxia may need a cane, walker, wheelchair, or electric scooter to move around more safely and efficiently.

Ataxia is the term used to describe the loss of coordination in the body. This loss of coordination can manifest as a loss of balance, slurred speech, stumbling, a wide gait, or a variety of other symptoms. You can read about it on verywellhealth.

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