Ataxia

Ataxia, meaning “without order” in Greek, is defined as the inability to coordinate muscle movements. Ataxia is a movement disorder caused by damage to the part of the brain called the cerebellum or its corresponding spinal nerves. The cerebellum is the brain region responsible for coordinating movements and controlling balance and posture. When the cerebellum is damaged, ataxia can develop, causing a person to have difficulty with balance and coordination. Ataxia can also develop when the spinal nerves, which carry movement messages to the body from the cerebellum, are damaged. This is called spinal ataxia, while the former is called cerebellar ataxia.

There are several possible causes of ataxia including infection, disease, injury, and degenerative changes. Hereditary and sporadic ataxias are a group of degenerative disorders caused by a genetic trait. Inherited ataxia is present when a person is born, and is, thus, called a birth defect. There are different genes that can cause ataxia, some of which are dominant traits and some of which are recessive.

Friedrich’s ataxia is a genetic condition which begins between the ages of five and fifteen. Ataxia gets progressively worse throughout the patient’s lifespan. In addition to loss of coordination and balance, patients with this kind of ataxia may also experience speech problems and lose reflexes, vibration and limb position sense. Mental dysfunction may also develop. By the age of 20, many patients will have to use a wheelchair. Heart failure in middle age is a common cause of death in patients with Friedrich’s ataxia.

There is a large group of people that develop ataxia after birth. Prolonged and excessive use of alcohol is one of the main causes of ataxia. Stroke, tumor, bleeding/hemorrhage of the brain can all be causes, in addition to head injuries, viral infections like chicken pox, hypothyroidism, high fever, and malnutrition. Exposure to toxic substances, such as carbon monoxide, or certain drugs like phenytoin can also cause ataxia.

Symptoms and onset of ataxia can vary greatly depending on the specific type. Genetic ataxia can produce symptoms anywhere between late adolescence to age 60 or so. Ataxia symptoms usually begin with balance and coordination problems. Ataxia patients may not be able to control their posture or the position of their legs and arms. Speech may become slurred or otherwise difficult to produce. Writing, eating, swallowing, and walking become more difficult as motor coordination declines. Some forms of ataxia also produce eye movement disorders.

There is no known cure for hereditary ataxia. A number of therapies and treatments can be employed to manage a patient’s condition and increase their quality of life. People who develop ataxia from alcohol or another substance may improve their condition by withdrawal from the substance.

If you would like to learn more about ataxia, please contact us to speak with a qualified and experienced attorney in your area.