Ataxia is a lack of muscle coordination that may affect a person’s speech, eye movements, and ability to swallow, walk, and pick up objects, among other voluntary movements.

Many conditions and other factors can cause ataxia, including multiple sclerosis (MS), head trauma, excessive alcohol intake, a stroke, cerebral palsy, genetics, and tumour’s.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of ataxia. The age of onset will depend on the cause.

If ataxia develops due to genetic features, it can be present from birth. If it is due to an injury or another health condition, symptoms may emerge at any age.

In some cases, symptoms will improve and eventually disappear. Initial symptoms usually include:

• poor limb coordination
• speech problems, including slurred and slow speech, difficulty producing speech, and problems controlling volume, rhythm, and pitch

Treatment

There is not usually a cure for ataxia, but treatment can ease symptoms and help improve quality of life.

A healthcare provider may suggest a specific treatment option to target one of the following ataxia symptoms:

Coordination and balance issues: Adaptive devices such as walking sticks, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs can help a person maintain independence. It may be necessary to make some home adaptations, such as to enable wheelchair access.

Tremor, stiffness, muscle spasms, and weakness: A doctor may prescribe medication and physical or occupational therapy to help improve a person’s strength, maintain their mobility, and help them find new ways to carry out tasks.

Speech problems: A speech therapist can provide help with communication issues and muscle control to improve swallowing, coughing, and choking. If necessary, a speech therapist can help the person learn how to use speech aids.

Deficiencies: Taking vitamin supplements, following a special diet, or both may help people who have a deficiency. Sensitivity to gluten can occur with ataxia, so eating a gluten-free diet may also help.

Immune problems: Treatment for ataxia telangiectasia may include gamma-globulin injections to boost the immune system.

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Best Regards

Eliza Grace

Journal Manager

Journal of Surgical Pathology and Diagnosis