Coping with ATAXIA

This group of neurological disorders can affect your balance, coordination and speech

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Ataxia describes the lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements, often progressively worsening. All movements we make, including walking or speaking, involve complicated signal interactions from the brain's cerebellum, with feedback from the nerves involved. A damaged cerebellum interrupts the matching of these signals, leading to ataxia. This may cause clumsiness, unsteady gait, impaired eye and limb movements, speech problems or tremor.

There are many types of ataxias, including Friedreich's ataxia, gluten ataxia, episodic ataxia and spinocerebellar ataxia, affecting people in different ways. At least 10,000 UK adults and 500 children have a progressive ataxia. Anyone of any age can get ataxia, but certain types are more common at certain ages. For example, Friedreich's ataxia is usually diagnosed in childhood. Some forms are treatable, but in most cases, there's no cure.

There are many different causes, and it may be a symptom of other conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, or occur after head trauma or intoxication. Many types of ataxia are inherited. If you notice symptoms, see your GP, who may refer you to a nerve specialist (neurologist) for further tests.