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What is Ataxia?

Ataxia is a term for a group of disorders that affect co-ordination, balance and speech.

A genetic defect leads to impairment of specific nerve fibres that carry messages to and from the brain to control movement of the body.  

It is usually caused by damage to a part of the brain known as the cerebellum, but it can be caused by damage to the spinal cord or other nerves.    

Hereditary ataxia is caused by a faulty gene.

Spinocerebellar ataxias (also called SCA's) are caused by mutations in different genes - there are more than 165 types. 

Symptoms include balance problems, incoordination of limb movements, slurred speech and problems with eye movements.

Other types include episodic ataxia, a rare and unusual type of hereditary ataxia where someone experiences episodes of ataxia, but the rest of the time they have no or only mild symptoms. 

Treatment ranges from speech, language and physical therapy as well as painkillers  

 Source: NHS Choices

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