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Ataxia

Table of Contents

Ataxia

Coordination Impairment; Lack of Coordination; Loss of Coordination; Coordination Impairment; Uncoordinated Movement

Ataxia often occurs when parts of the nervous system that control movement are damaged. People with ataxia experience a failure of muscle control in their arms and legs, resulting in a lack of balance and coordination or a disturbance of gait. Learn more about ataxia, its causes, and treatment.

Brain MRI

Image by TheVisualMD

What Is Ataxia?

Pathophysiology of tremors

Image by NIH Medical Arts

Pathophysiology of tremors

Image by NIH Medical Arts

What Is Ataxia?

Ataxia is a neurological sign that manifests in a lack of coordination in the movement of different muscles in the body. It is a clinical finding and not a disease, which mainly presents abnormalities in gait, changes in speech such as scanning speech, and abnormal eye movements such as nystagmus. It results from dysfunction of the brain areas, responsible for the coordination of movements, and, most commonly, the cerebellum. The three types of ataxia, according to the location, are cerebellar, sensory, and vestibular.

Ataxia can also subdivide into sporadic (patients have no family history of ataxia and manifest in adulthood), hereditary (caused by a defect in a gene and manifesting in childhood), and acquired (due to structural or demyelinating conditions, toxicity, paraneoplastic, inflammatory or infections, and autoimmune conditions). Friedreich ataxia is an autosomal recessive form of ataxia and the commonest among the hereditary forms.

Source: Hafiz S, De Jesus O. Ataxia. [Updated 2022 Apr 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.

Additional Materials (4)

What is Ataxia?

Video by Genome BC/YouTube

What is Ataxia? (Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention)

Video by healthery/YouTube

What is Ataxia? Learn more about ataxia and inform others.

Video by NatlAtaxiaFound/YouTube

What is ataxia?

Video by Hartford HealthCare/YouTube

6:08

What is Ataxia?

Genome BC/YouTube

2:25

What is Ataxia? (Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention)

healthery/YouTube

1:03

What is Ataxia? Learn more about ataxia and inform others.

NatlAtaxiaFound/YouTube

3:01

What is ataxia?

Hartford HealthCare/YouTube

What Causes It?

Basal ganglia, the part of the brain affected by Wilson's disease

Image by TheVisualMD

Basal ganglia, the part of the brain affected by Wilson's disease

Basal ganglia, the part of the brain affected by Wilson's disease

Image by TheVisualMD

What Causes Ataxia?

Ataxia may occur due to abnormalities in the nervous system's different areas, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and nerve roots. The different types of ataxia often have similar or overlapping causes in the same patient.

Focal lesions - due to tumors, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or inflammation
Metabolic - due to substances such as alcohol, antidepressant drugs, and antiepileptic drugs
Poisoning - due to radiation
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Thyroid disease - hypothyroidism
Head injury
Celiac disease (gluten ataxia)
Hereditary - Friedreich ataxia, ataxia-telangiectasia, Niemann-Pick disease, fragile X associated ataxia/tremor syndrome
Arnold-Chiari malformation
Wilson disease
Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency

Source: Hafiz S, De Jesus O. Ataxia. [Updated 2022 Apr 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.

Additional Materials (1)

Concussion - Severe Brain Injury - Long-Term Effects

Image Caption A diagram of the forces on the brain in concussion. Mechanics of a Concussion. Acceleration (g-forces) can exert rotational forces in the brain, especially the midbrainand diencephalon.

Image by Patrick J. Lynch, medical illustrator; C. Carl Jaffe, MD, cardiologist.

Concussion - Severe Brain Injury - Long-Term Effects

Patrick J. Lynch, medical illustrator; C. Carl Jaffe, MD, cardiologist.

How Common Is Ataxia?

Ataxia-telangiectasia - Frequency

Image by TheVisualMD

Ataxia-telangiectasia - Frequency

Ataxia-telangiectasia - Frequency

Image by TheVisualMD

How Common Is Ataxia?

The overall prevalence of ataxia is 26 cases per 100,000 in children. The overall prevalence rate of hereditary ataxias is 10 cases per 100,000 individuals. Dominant cerebellar ataxia is present in 2.7 cases per 100,000 individuals, and recessive hereditary cerebellar ataxia in 3.3 per 100,000 individuals. An increased prevalence occurs in countries where consanguinity is a common practice. The worldwide prevalence of spinocerebellar ataxias is 3 to 5.6 cases per 100,000 individuals. The most common spinocerebellar ataxia is spinocerebellar ataxia type 3.

Source: Hafiz S, De Jesus O. Ataxia. [Updated 2022 Apr 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.

What Are the Symptoms?

Nude man with locomotor ataxia walking

Image by Muybridge, Eadweard, 1830-1904

Nude man with locomotor ataxia walking

Nude man with locomotor ataxia walking

Image by Muybridge, Eadweard, 1830-1904

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Ataxia?

Ataxia may be due to an interference in the sensory transmission to the cerebellum caused by a lesion. This condition can lead to sensory or spinal ataxia. An interruption in cortical signals from the cerebellum causes cerebellar ataxia. Spinocerebellar ataxias are a result of both of the above mentioned pathologies. They are autosomal dominant and result from CAG repetition on chromosomes.

Friedreich's ataxia is the most common of the inherited ataxias. It has an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. It involves the frataxin gene. There is degeneration of peripheral nerve axons and loss of sensory cells. Patients present between the first and second decades of life. Multisystem abnormalities are present and include, gait ataxia, loss in proprioception, sensory loss, pes cavus, spastic extensor plantar responses, atrophy of extremities, and cardiomyopathy. Patients may also have diabetes mellitus, vision loss, and hearing loss.

Depending on the location of the lesion, characteristic findings are as follows:

Lesions in the lateral cerebellum cause symptoms on the same side as the lesion (ipsilateral), whereas diffuse lesions cause generalized symptoms.
Lesions in the cerebellum hemisphere cause limb ataxia.
Lesions in the vermis cause truncal, gait ataxia with sparing of the limbs.
Lesions at vestibulo-cerebellar areas cause disbalance, vertigo and gait ataxia.

Source: Hafiz S, De Jesus O. Ataxia. [Updated 2022 Apr 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.

Additional Materials (2)

Walking gait

Walking gait

Four Examples of Ataxia

Video by NEJMvideo/YouTube

Walking gait

2:42

Four Examples of Ataxia

NEJMvideo/YouTube

How Is It Diagnosed?

Comprehensive Clinical Assessment physical exam

Image by Craig Breil - University of Michigan Medical School Information Services

Comprehensive Clinical Assessment physical exam

Comprehensive Clinical Assessment physical exam

Image by Craig Breil - University of Michigan Medical School Information Services

How Is Ataxia Diagnosed?

History and Physical

Adequate history and examination are crucial parts in evaluating, assessing the location of the lesion, and treating patients with ataxia. The medical history should include age, gender, neurological, drug, toxin, and occupational exposures. Family history is essential. Systems review should assess the presence of constitutional symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and night sweats. A past medical history of diabetes, hypertension, and neurological diseases is essential.

Clinicians should ask the patients if any of the symptoms and signs are present, the level of functional disability in activities of daily living, onset, and progression. Common signs and symptoms include abnormalities in gait, slurred speech, difficulty in walking, abnormal eye movements, difficulty swallowing, increased fatigue, incoordination in fine motor movements such as handwriting, buttoning shirts, typing, tremors, vertigo, and problems in cognition.

A general and neurological physical examination is an integral part of the evaluation. A complete neurological examination, including mental status, cranial nerves, and cerebellar examination, is critical. Grading and level of functional disability are assessable with the use of scoring systems such as the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale, Brief Ataxia Rating Scale (BARS), and for patients with Friedrich's ataxia, the Friedreich's Ataxia Rating Scale.

Evaluation

The necessary tests are guided by clinical presentation and clinical suspicion. Blood tests for specific deficiencies, drugs, and toxins may be in order. Urinalysis can look for mercury level measurement.

Brain imaging includes a computed tomographic scan as an initial study, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is critical to visualize structural lesions, strokes, and congenital or acquired abnormalities. Imaging of the spinal cord with MRI is indicated if a spine lesion is suspected.

Genetic testing is the diagnostic course for inherited ataxias.

Differential Diagnosis

Alcohol use
Ischemic stroke
Cerebellar hemorrhage
Drug-induced
Toxicity
Hypoxia or heat stroke
Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome

Source: Hafiz S, De Jesus O. Ataxia. [Updated 2022 Apr 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.

Additional Materials (3)

Diagnosing and Treating Ataxia

Video by CNOSPC/YouTube

Finding out you've got ataxia

Video by AtaxiaUKonline/YouTube

Ataxia in Children – Pediatrics | Lecturio

Video by Lecturio Medical/YouTube

2:05

Diagnosing and Treating Ataxia

CNOSPC/YouTube

6:08

Finding out you've got ataxia

AtaxiaUKonline/YouTube

6:15

Ataxia in Children – Pediatrics | Lecturio

Lecturio Medical/YouTube

Neurological Exam

Neurological Exam

Also called: Neurological Assessment, Neurological Examination, Neuro Exam

A neurological exam is a series of tests that check for disorders of the brain and spinal cord. These disorders cause serious health problems. The exam can help lead to diagnosis and treatment.

Neurological Exam

Also called: Neurological Assessment, Neurological Examination, Neuro Exam

A neurological exam is a series of tests that check for disorders of the brain and spinal cord. These disorders cause serious health problems. The exam can help lead to diagnosis and treatment.

A neurological exam is a group of questions and tests to check for disorders of your nervous system. It's sometimes called a "neuro" exam.
Your nervous system includes your:
- Brain and spinal cord, which are also called your central nervous system
- Peripheral nerves that carry signals back and forth between your central nervous system and all parts of your body, including your skin, muscles, and organs
Your nervous system plays a role in almost every part of your health and well-being. Because it controls so many body processes, a neurological exam has many different types of tests. The tests you have will depend on why you're having the exam. There are nerve tests to check for problems with your:
- Muscle movement, balance, and coordination. These activities are controlled by nerves called motor nerves.
- Breathing, heartbeat, digestion, and other processes that happen without thinking. Autonomic nerves control these activities.
- Sense of touch, smell, hearing, and vision. Sensory nerves carry this information from your senses to your brain.
- Thinking and memory. Certain parts of your brain control these and other types of complex mental activity, including your emotions.
A neurological exam may be used to:
- Check the health of your nervous system during a routine checkup.
- Help find out whether a nervous system disorder is causing certain symptoms. There are hundreds of disorders that affect the brain and nerves. Some examples include:
  Degenerative nerve diseases, such as certain types of dementia and Parkinson's disease
  Diabetic nerve problems
  Epilepsy
  Headache disorders, such as migraines and cluster headaches
  Meningitis
  Multiple sclerosis
- Help find out if an injury has damaged part of the nervous system and how serious the damage may be.
- Monitor a known nerve condition and/or see if treatment is helping.
You may need a neurological exam if you have symptoms that may be from a nervous system disorder. Because your nerves affect every part of your body, nervous system disorders can cause many different types of symptoms, including:
- Pain in your back, neck, head, or along a nerve, such as sciatica
- Tremors
- Weak or stiff muscles
- Problems with balance and/or coordination
- Numb or tingling skin
- Changes in any of your senses (hearing, vision, taste, smell, and touch)
- Slurred speech
- Confusion or other changes in mental ability
- Seizures
You may also need a neurological exam if you have had an injury that may have damaged your peripheral nerves, spinal cord, or caused a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
A neurological exam is often done by a neurologist. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system. Certain other providers may also do a neurological exam.
The exam is usually done in a provider's office. If you've had a serious injury, the exam may be done in the emergency room or in the hospital.
First, the provider will usually:
- Ask questions about any symptoms you may have
- Ask about your medical history
- Do a physical exam, including checking your heart and lungs
Next, the provider will do specific tests to check how different parts of your nervous system are working. The tests you have will depend on your symptoms. The tests may check your:
- Mental status. This includes your memory, problem-solving ability, alertness, and mood. During a mental status exam, you may answer questions about the date, time, and where you are. You may also be asked to remember a list of items, name objects, repeat words, and/or draw specific shapes.
- Cranial nerves. These 12 nerves connect your brain with your eyes, ears, nose, face, tongue, throat, shoulders, and certain organs. The provider will test the nerves that may be involved with your symptoms. For example, to test your sense of smell, you may be asked to sniff certain smells and identify what they are. If you're having speech problems, you may be asked to try to talk while you stick out your tongue.
- Coordination, balance, and walking. These tests check how well your nervous system controls your muscle movements. You may be asked to walk in a straight line, placing one foot directly in front of the other. Other tests include checking your handwriting and having you touch your finger to your nose with your eyes closed.
- Reflexes. A reflex is your body's automatic movement in response to certain triggers. For example, if your knee is tapped with a rubber hammer, your lower leg will jerk on its own. There are many types of reflexes that are tested in different ways. Reflex tests show how well nerves between your spinal cord and muscles are working.
- Sensory nerves. The provider may test how well you can feel touch, hot and cold temperatures, vibrations, and pain. These tests involve gently touching part of your skin with different objects, such as a dull needle or a cotton swab. You will be asked to describe what you can feel.
- Autonomic nervous system. A neurological exam tests the part of your nervous system that controls your breathing, heart rate, digestion, and other processes that happen without thinking. Examples of these tests include checking your blood pressure and heartbeat. Another test checks how your eyes respond to light.
If the results of any part of your neurological exam are not normal, your provider will probably order more tests to help make a diagnosis. The tests will depend on what type of condition your provider thinks you could have. They may include:
- Blood and/or urine tests
- Imaging tests, such as an MRI
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing, also called a lumbar puncture
- Biopsy
- Electroencephalography (EEG) or electromyography (EMG), which use small electric sensors to measure brain activity and nerve function
If you have questions about your results, talk with your neurologist or other provider.

Genetic Testing

Genetic Testing

Also called: DNA Testing, Mutation Screening, Genetic Test

Genetic testing is a type of test that analyze your cells or tissue to look for any changes in your DNA. Genetic tests may be used to identify increased risks of health problems, to choose treatments, or to assess responses to treatments.

Genetic Testing

Also called: DNA Testing, Mutation Screening, Genetic Test

Genetic testing is a type of test that analyze your cells or tissue to look for any changes in your DNA. Genetic tests may be used to identify increased risks of health problems, to choose treatments, or to assess responses to treatments.

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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
Your result is Negative.
A negative result means that the test did not find a genetic change known to cause disease.
Related conditions
Genetic testing may be done for many different reasons, including to:
- Find genetic diseases in unborn babies. This is one type of prenatal testing.
- Screen newborn babies for certain treatable conditions
- Lower the risk of genetic diseases in embryos that were created using assisted reproductive technology
- Find out if you carry a gene for a certain disease that could be passed on to your children. This is called carrier testing.
- See whether you are at increased risk of developing a specific disease. This may be done for a disease that runs in your family.
- Diagnose certain diseases
- Identify genetic changes that may be causing or contributing to a disease that you were already diagnosed with
- Figure out how severe a disease is
- Help guide your doctor in deciding the best medicine and dosage for you. This is called pharmacogenomic testing.
There are no known risks to having a saliva test. There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
The physical risks of the different types of genetic testing are small. But there can be emotional, social, or financial drawbacks:
- Depending on the results, you may feel angry, depressed, anxious, or guilty. This can be especially true if you are diagnosed with a disease that does not have effective treatments.
- You may be worried about genetic discrimination in employment or insurance
- Genetic testing may give you limited information about a genetic disease. For example, it cannot tell you whether you will have symptoms, how severe a disease might be, or whether a disease will get worse over time.
- Some genetic tests are expensive, and health insurance might only cover part of the cost. Or they may not cover it at all.
- Positive – the test found a genetic change known to cause disease.
- Negative – the test did not find a genetic change known to cause disease. Sometimes a negative result occurs when the wrong test was ordered or there isn’t a genetic cause for that person’s symptoms. A “true negative” is when there is a known genetic change in the family and the person tested did not inherit it. If your test results are negative and there is no known genetic change in your family, a negative test result may not give you a definite answer. This is because you might not have been tested for the genetic change that runs in your family.
- Uncertain – a variant of unknown or uncertain significance means there isn’t enough information about that genetic change to determine whether it is benign (normal) or pathogenic (disease causing).
1. Genetic Testing | CDC. Sep 23, 2022 [accessed on Feb 23, 2022]
2. Genetic Testing: MedlinePlus. National Library of Medicine. Jun 11, 2021 [accessed on Feb 23, 2022]
3. What is genetic testing?: MedlinePlus Genetics [accessed on Feb 23, 2022]
4. Genetic Testing FAQ. Genome.gov [accessed on Feb 23, 2022]
5. Genetic testing and your cancer risk: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [accessed on Feb 23, 2022]

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (21)

Genetic testing

Genetic testing fact sheet

Image by genome.gov

Genetic testing

Genetic testing existed before the Human Genome Project and the list of diseases that we can already screen for may be longer than you think.

Image by TheVisualMD

Genes and Genetic Defects

Genetic testing isn't new. In the 1960s, doctors were able to test newborn babies for certain rare single-gene disorders, such as phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare metabolic disease that causes mental retardation. (PKU can be prevented with a special diet if it's detected early, which was why it was critical to test newborns.)

Image by TheVisualMD

Mapping Your Future: Screening for Disease Risk

Image by TheVisualMD

Each person with Down syndrome has different talents and the ability to thrive.

Down syndrome is a lifelong condition. Services early in life will often help babies and children with Down syndrome to improve their physical and intellectual abilities. Most of these services focus on helping children with Down syndrome develop to their full potential. These services include speech, occupational, and physical therapy, and they are typically offered through early intervention programs in each state. Children with Down syndrome may also need extra help or attention in school, although many children are included in regular classes.

Image by CDC

genetic analysis

Biotechnology - DNA analysis and treatment

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors/Pixabay

Family history (medicine)

An extended family in Spain

Image by Ojedamd

Biotechnology

This diagram shows the basic method used for extraction of DNA.

Image by CNX Openstax

Genetic Counselor at Sanford Health Explains the Benefits to Genetic Testing

Video by Sanford Health/YouTube

What Is A Genetic Counselor & The Importance of Genetic Counselling | Ambry Genetics

Video by Ambry Genetics/YouTube

How Does The Genetic Testing Process Work? Genetic Testing FAQ | Ambry Genetics

Video by Ambry Genetics/YouTube

Should You Get Genetic Testing During Your Pregnancy?

Video by St. Louis Children's Hospital/YouTube

Debating Embryonic Genetic Testing -- The Doctors

Video by The Doctors/YouTube

Genetic Testing for Cancer — AMITA Health | NBC Chicago Ask the Doc

Video by AMITA Health/YouTube

MedGenome BRCA - Breast Cancer Genetic Testing

Video by MedGenome/YouTube

Genetic Testing for Hereditary Forms of Kidney Cancer - Brian Shuch, MD

Video by UCLA Health/YouTube

Do I need Genetic Testing for Ichthyosis?

Video by foundation for ichthyosis/YouTube

What Is Genetic Testing? Understanding the Process and Its Results

Video by uvahealth/YouTube

How to Understand Your Genetic Testing Results

Video by Breast Cancer Answers®/YouTube

Genetic Testing 101 for People with Rare Diseases

Video by National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)/YouTube

What's the difference between genetic and genomic testing?

Video by Cancer Treatment Centers of America - CTCA/YouTube

Genetic testing

genome.gov

Genetic testing

TheVisualMD

Genes and Genetic Defects

TheVisualMD

Mapping Your Future: Screening for Disease Risk

TheVisualMD

Each person with Down syndrome has different talents and the ability to thrive.

CDC

genetic analysis

OpenClipart-Vectors/Pixabay

Family history (medicine)

Ojedamd

Biotechnology

CNX Openstax

1:57

Genetic Counselor at Sanford Health Explains the Benefits to Genetic Testing

Sanford Health/YouTube

1:06

What Is A Genetic Counselor & The Importance of Genetic Counselling | Ambry Genetics

Ambry Genetics/YouTube

0:45

How Does The Genetic Testing Process Work? Genetic Testing FAQ | Ambry Genetics

Ambry Genetics/YouTube

3:04

Should You Get Genetic Testing During Your Pregnancy?

St. Louis Children's Hospital/YouTube

4:40

Debating Embryonic Genetic Testing -- The Doctors

The Doctors/YouTube

1:31

Genetic Testing for Cancer — AMITA Health | NBC Chicago Ask the Doc

AMITA Health/YouTube

2:10

MedGenome BRCA - Breast Cancer Genetic Testing

MedGenome/YouTube

1:37

Genetic Testing for Hereditary Forms of Kidney Cancer - Brian Shuch, MD

UCLA Health/YouTube

1:43

Do I need Genetic Testing for Ichthyosis?

foundation for ichthyosis/YouTube

2:01

What Is Genetic Testing? Understanding the Process and Its Results

uvahealth/YouTube

3:58

How to Understand Your Genetic Testing Results

Breast Cancer Answers®/YouTube

1:00:31

Genetic Testing 101 for People with Rare Diseases

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)/YouTube

2:05

What's the difference between genetic and genomic testing?

Cancer Treatment Centers of America - CTCA/YouTube

How Is It Treated?

Neurological condition and Medications

Image by TheVisualMD

Neurological condition and Medications

Neurological condition and Medications.jpg

Image by TheVisualMD

How Is Ataxia Treated?

Currently, there is no curative treatment available for hereditary ataxia. Depending on the causes, if the ataxia results from a stroke, toxic substances, hypothyroidism, or any modifiable risk factors, treatment is targeted at the specific condition causing ataxia. Some treatable causes are reversible by medication such as vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 deficiencies, and episodic ataxia type two.

Patients may use devices to reduce functional disability, such as walking aids, canes, wheelchairs, and walkers. Patients can receive physical, speech therapy, and symptomatic treatment. Medications can reduce tremors, muscle stiffness, and sleeping disorders. There is evidence that physical and mental exercises can improve the lives of patients with ataxia.

Source: Hafiz S, De Jesus O. Ataxia. [Updated 2022 Apr 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.

Additional Materials (5)

Working with Ataxia

Video by AtaxiaUKonline/YouTube

Treatment For Spinocerebellar Ataxia | Results after 3 Months

Video by Neurogen Brain and Spine Institute/YouTube

Friedreich’s ataxia - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Video by Osmosis/YouTube

Ataxia telangiectasia - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Video by Osmosis/YouTube

Ataxia Drug Treatment Targets and Pipeline

Video by National Ataxia Foundation/YouTube

2:14

Working with Ataxia

AtaxiaUKonline/YouTube

1:53

Treatment For Spinocerebellar Ataxia | Results after 3 Months

Neurogen Brain and Spine Institute/YouTube

5:45

Friedreich’s ataxia - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Osmosis/YouTube

6:25

Ataxia telangiectasia - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Osmosis/YouTube

28:08

Ataxia Drug Treatment Targets and Pipeline

National Ataxia Foundation/YouTube

What Is the Prognosis?

Illustration of a man steadying himself with a cane while reaching for a bottle on a grocery store shelf

Image by NIH News in Health

Illustration of a man steadying himself with a cane while reaching for a bottle on a grocery store shelf

Illustration of a man steadying himself with a cane while reaching for a bottle on a grocery store shelf. Most people feel dizzy now and then. But if that feeling persists or interferes with your daily life, it could be a sign of a balance disorder.

Image by NIH News in Health

What Is the Long-Term Outlook for People with Ataxia?

The prognosis largely depends on the type and cause of ataxia. Patients with progressive ataxia may suffer from worsening symptoms over the years and require symptomatic treatment. Hereditary ataxia has a shorter life expectancy; however, some people live up to the fifth or sixth decade. Severe forms may lead to death in childhood or the early years.

If the cause is acquired, for example, alcohol or drug-induced ataxia, the underlying cause needs to be treated, and triggering factors removed to improve prognosis.

Source: Hafiz S, De Jesus O. Ataxia. [Updated 2022 Apr 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.

What Are Complications?

Breathless - Breathing Problems

Image by TheVisualMD

Breathless - Breathing Problems

Image by TheVisualMD

What Are the Possible Complications of Ataxia?

Complications of ataxia are related to the type of ataxia. Commonly, patients have rigidity, dyspnea, breathing difficulty, and choking, which may also lead to death in severe cases. Patients may require assistance in ventilation, feeding tubes, and airway management. Patients who are unable to walk or require wheelchair assistance may develop pressure ulcers, infections, and thrombosis.

Psychological and psychiatric illnesses, such as dementia and depression, are common and require therapy. Other complications include lightheadedness, spasticity, tremors, lethargy, generalized pain, blood pressure changes, bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction.

Source: Hafiz S, De Jesus O. Ataxia. [Updated 2022 Apr 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.

Related HealthJournals

Spinocerebellar Ataxia

Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a term referring to a group of hereditary ataxias that are characterized by degenerative changes in the part of the brain related to the movement control (cerebellum), and sometimes in the spinal cord. There are more than 30 distinct types of SCA. Explore symptoms, causes, and genetics of these rare conditions.

Neurological Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures are tools used to detect, manage, and treat the specific parts of the brain and spine that are affected by damage or disease. Learn more about the common tests and procedures used.

Ataxia Telangiectasia

Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is rare condition that affects the nervous system, the immune system, and many other parts of the body. is characterized by progressive difficulty with coordinating movements (ataxia) beginning in early childhood, usually before age 5. Learn more about its symptoms, causes and genetics.

Friedreich Ataxia

Friedreich ataxia is a rare, inherited, degenerative disease that damages the nervous system, characterized by impaired coordination and walking. This disease tends to develop in children and teenagers and gradually worsens over time. Learn about common signs and symptoms and how it's diagnosed.

Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia

Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia is a condition characterized by problems with movement that worsen over time. There are several types of ataxia with oculomotor apraxia, the most common of which are types 1, 2, and 4. Explore symptoms, causes, and genetics of this rare disease.

Ataxia with Vitamin E Deficiency

Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency is a disorder that impairs the body's ability to use vitamin E obtained from the diet. A shortage (deficiency) of vitamin E can lead to neurological problems. Explore symptoms, causes, and genetics of this rare condition.

Ataxia Neuropathy Spectrum

Ataxia neuropathy spectrum is part of a group of conditions called the POLG-related disorders. It includes the conditions previously called mitochondrial recessive ataxia syndrome (MIRAS) and sensory ataxia neuropathy dysarthria and ophthalmoplegia (SANDO). Explore symptoms, inheritance, genetics of this condition.

Autosomal Recessive Cerebellar Ataxia Type 1

Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia type 1 (ARCA1) is a condition characterized by progressive problems with movement due to a loss (atrophy) of nerve cells in the part of the brain that coordinates movement (the cerebellum). Explore symptoms, causes, and genetics of this rare disease.

Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay, more commonly known as ARSACS, is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by early-onset cerebellar ataxia with spasticity, a pyramidal syndrome and peripheral neuropathy. Explore symptoms, causes, and genetics of this rare condition.

Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a progressive movement disorder that typically begins in early adulthood (but can affect children and older adults as well). People with SCA1 typically survive 10 to 30 years after symptoms first appear. Explore symptoms, causes, and genetics of this rare disease.

Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), also known as Machado-Joseph disease, is a condition characterized by progressive problems with movement. This condition is thought to be the most common type of spinocerebellar ataxia. Explore symptoms, causes, and genetics of this rare disease.

Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 6

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) is a progressive movement disorder. SCA6 is characterized by late-onset and slowly progressive gait ataxia and other cerebellar signs such as impaired muscle coordination and nystagmus. Explore symptoms, causes, and genetics of this rare disease.

Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 36

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 36 (SCA36) is a condition characterized by progressive problems with movement that typically begin in mid-adulthood. People with this condition initially experience problems with coordination and balance (ataxia). Explore symptoms, causes, and genetics of this rare disease.

Infantile-Onset Spinocerebellar Ataxia

Infantile-onset spinocerebellar ataxia (IOSCA) is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system. Babies with IOSCA develop normally during the first year of life. By their teenage years affected individuals require wheelchair assistance. Explore symptoms, causes, and genetics of this rare disease.

Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome

Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) is a disorder of the nervous system that can cause tremors and problems with walking, balance (also called ataxia), memory, and mood disorders among older adults. Learn more about FXTAS.

Myoclonic Epilepsy Myopathy Sensory Ataxia

Myoclonic epilepsy myopathy sensory ataxia, commonly called MEMSA, is part of a group of conditions called the POLG-related disorders. The conditions in this group feature a range of similar signs and symptoms involving muscle-, nerve-, and brain-related functions. Explore symptoms, causes, and genetics of this rare disease.

Neuropathy, Ataxia, and Retinitis Pigmentosa

Neuropathy, ataxia, and retinitis pigmentosa (NARP) is a condition that causes a variety of signs and symptoms chiefly affecting the nervous system.

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Ataxia

Ataxia often occurs when parts of the nervous system that control movement are damaged. People with ataxia experience a failure of muscle control in their arms and legs, resulting in a lack of balance and coordination or a disturbance of gait. Learn more about ataxia, its causes, and treatment.

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