What is an example of ataxia?

Friedreich’s ataxia. This is the most common hereditary ataxia. It involves damage to the cerebellum, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves carry signals from the arms and legs to the brain and spinal cord. In most cases, signs and symptoms appear well before age 25.

What ataxia looks like?

Ataxia is a degenerative disease of the nervous system. Many symptoms of Ataxia mimic those of being drunk, such as slurred speech, stumbling, falling, and incoordination. These symptoms are caused by damage to the cerebellum, the part of the brain that is responsible for coordinating movement.

What does ataxia mean?

Ataxia is a term for a group of disorders that affect co-ordination, balance and speech. Any part of the body can be affected, but people with ataxia often have difficulties with: balance and walking. speaking. swallowing.

What causes ataxia?

Ataxia is usually caused by damage to a part of the brain known as the cerebellum, but it can also be caused by damage to the spinal cord or other nerves. The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerves that runs down the spine and connects the brain to all other parts of the body.

What is ataxia vs apraxia?

In marked gait or postural ataxia, patients cannot stand with the feet together and the eyes open. Gait apraxia is a motor planning deficit and, thus, has a cerebral localization. Patients with gait apraxia have a hard time getting started with walking and may have a “magnetic” or shuffling gait.

What are ataxia symptoms?

What are the symptoms ataxia?

  • Balance and coordination problems (affected first)
  • Poor coordination of hands, arms, and legs.
  • Slurring of speech.
  • Wide-based gait (manner of walking)
  • Difficulty with writing and eating.
  • Slow eye movements.

Can ataxia go away?

There is no specific treatment for ataxia. In some cases, treating the underlying cause may help improve the ataxia. In other cases, such as ataxia that results from chickenpox or other viral infections, it is likely to resolve on its own.

Can ataxia be caused by stress?

Episodes of ataxia and other symptoms can begin anytime from early childhood to adulthood. They can be triggered by environmental factors such as emotional stress, caffeine, alcohol, certain medications, physical activity, and illness. The frequency of attacks ranges from several per day to one or two per year.