Ataxia

Ataxia is a wide variety of neurological disorders, characterized by a loss of balance and coordination in the body. It is caused by damage to various parts of the central nervous system, resulting in disordered motor movements, such as an unsteady and clumsily gait and the difficulty in coordinating voluntary movements associated with activities like walking, writing, brushing teeth, and talking. Generally, ataxia is categorized as either inherited, acquired, or symptomatic. Inherited ataxia is usually the result of genetic mutations, inherited from one’s parents, that disrupts the connections between some parts of the brain and parts of the body, or disrupts the functioning of the nervous system in some way. The most common type of inherited ataxia is spinocerebellar ataxia, an incurable progressive disorder with symptoms typically appearing in mid-late adulthood and, eventually, leading to mobility impairment. Acquired ataxia may be caused by a stroke, trauma, or serious infection. In such cases, the damage is confined to particular parts of the nervous system, resulting in impairments in motor control over particular regions of the body, such as the arms or legs. Similarly, symptomatic ataxia may also be caused by a disease, such as multiple sclerosis, or a side effect of certain medications. Ultimately, ataxia affects each individual differently and can range from mild to severe. Fortunately, there are treatments available such as physical and occupational therapy, medications, electrical stimulation, and even gene therapy.