Ataxia is a condition that generally results from damage to the cerebellum or its connections, the part of the brain controlling muscle coordination. It can be a result or a symptom of various conditions like stroke, tumor, brain degeneration, multiple sclerosis, or genetic disorders. Ataxia can affect a person’s coordination, speech, and balance and make it difficult to swallow or walk. Keep reading to learn more about the warning signs of this condition.
Symptoms of ataxia
Some early warning signs of ataxia to watch out for include-
- Problems with coordination and balance, such as clumsiness or frequent falling
- Facing trouble with fine motor skills such as picking up small objects, writing, or buttoning up clothes
- Slurred or unclear speech
- Tremors or muscle spasms
- Difficulties with eating or swallowing
- Unusual eye movements, such as blinking slower than usual or suffering from nystagmus (a form of involuntary eye movement)
- Cardiovascular issues
The severity of the symptoms of this condition depends on the type of ataxia one is dealing with. Genetic failures, other health conditions, vitamin deficiencies, injuries, or immunological problems can cause ataxia. Depending on the causes, ataxia may be categorized into three types.
Inherited ataxia
Inherited ataxia occurs when a parent (or both parents) passes on a congenital disability to their child. It may worsen from one generation to the next. The most common types of inherited ataxia are spinocerebellar ataxia, episodic ataxia, Friedreich’s ataxia, and ataxia telangiectasia.
Acquired ataxia
Many external events can also cause ataxia. These include brain surgery, tumors, head injuries, infections such as meningitis and chickenpox, exposure to toxic chemicals such as mercury or lead, neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy, stroke, an underactive thyroid, vitamin B12 deficiency, chemotherapy, etc.
Idiopathic ataxia
When no underlying cause is found for the condition, it is known as idiopathic ataxia.
A person experiencing symptoms of ataxia must consult a neurologist for diagnosis and therapy. The doctor will conduct a physical examination, take note of the detailed medical history, and order tests like MRI or CT scan to look for any possible forms of brain damage. They will also carry out genetic tests to check for inherited ataxia genes, blood tests to check for any changes in blood composition, and urine tests to look for any systemic changes that may have occurred due to ataxia. Although there is no direct cure for ataxia, symptoms of this condition can be managed by treating its underlying cause.
