Ataxia: Essential Facts for Patients

What Is Ataxia?

• Ataxia (ah-TACK-see-uh) means trouble with movement or balance.
• You may feel clumsy, shaky, or off-balance.
• It happens when the brain or nerves are not working well, especially a part of the brain called the cerebellum, which controls movement.
   

What Are the Signs of Ataxia?

You might have:

• Trouble standing or walking
• Walking with your feet far apart
• Swaying or falling when walking
• Shaky hands
• Hard time picking up small things
• Slurred speech (hard to understand)
• Blurry or double vision
• Dizziness
   

What Causes Ataxia?

Ataxia is a symptom, not a disease. Many things can cause it:

• Injuries to the brain (from a fall, stroke, tumor, or infection)
• Low vitamins, like vitamin B1, B12, or E
• Medicines or toxins, like alcohol, some seizure or heart drugs, or some antibiotics
• Autoimmune problems, like multiple sclerosis or celiac disease
• Thyroid problems or low blood sugar
• Genetic diseases (run in families)
• Brain diseases that get worse over time (like spinocerebellar ataxia or Friedreich’s ataxia)
   

How Do Doctors Find Out if You Have Ataxia?

Your doctor will:

• Your doctor will:
• Ask about your symptoms and family health
• Do a physical exam
• May order:
  • A brain scan (like MRI or CT)
  • Blood or urine tests
  • Tests for nerves, speech, and balance
  • Genetic tests (if they think it’s inherited)
     

Can Ataxia Be Treated?

It depends on the cause:

• If it’s from low vitamins, infections, or medicines, those can often be fixed.
• Some rare genetic ataxias may have special treatments. 
• Even when there is no cure, other treatments can help:
  • Physical therapy – to improve walking and balance
  • Occupational therapy – to help with daily activities
  • Speech therapy – to help you speak clearly
     

Other Important Information

• Some people have gluten ataxia. This means eating gluten (from wheat) can cause ataxia. This can be diagnosed by a blood test, If proven, a gluten-free diet may help.
• Some have episodic ataxia, which comes and goes. Stress or exercise can trigger it.
• Research is finding new treatments for genetic ataxias.
   

Where Can I Learn More?

• Ask your doctor or physical therapist.
• Visit trusted websites like:
  • Cleveland Clinic – Ataxia Info
  • National Ataxia Foundation
     

Summary:

• Ataxia means trouble with movement or balance
• Many things can cause it
• Your doctor can help find the cause
• Some of them can be reversed by appropriate treatment 
• There are ways to help you improve, even if there is no cure

 

Copyright © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS).  All rights reserved.