Ataxia is a neurological problem that results in lack of coordination during voluntary movements. The term ataxia is derived from the Greek word for incoordination or lack of order, a taxis. In a person with ataxia condition, a particular portion of the nervous system that controls muscle movements is abnormal, which in turn leads to profound symptoms. Having been diagnosed with ataxia is like a nightmare for patients. Nevertheless, with correct diagnosis of the underlying disorder, appropriate ataxia treatment is done to improve the quality of life for the affected individual.
Causes and Symptoms
Ataxia can be caused due to hereditary or acquired factors. The former encompasses genetic defects, which lead to formation of unusual proteins, thereby affecting the normal functioning of the cerebellum and spinal cord. Known causes of ataxia include head trauma, chickenpox, brain tumor, transient ischemic attack and stroke. Symptoms related to lack of coordination are also manifested due to serious medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and paraneoplastic syndrome.
The symptoms of ataxia depend upon the specific reason behind the neurological dysfunction. They can be manifested suddenly or over a period of time. Also, based on the causal factor, it may disturb eye movements, hands, feet, body and at times, speech. Some of the notable ataxia symptoms are poor coordination, loss balance or tendency to stumble, swallowing problems, irregular eye movements and uncontrolled change in speech.
Treatment Options
Treatment is based on what causes the disorder. Thus, it is crucial to find out the underlying cause before proceeding for therapeutic intervention. In majority of the cases, ataxia is caused due to dysfunction in the cerebellum, a section of the brain that regulates movement coordination. Any injury or damage (temporary or permanent) to the nerve cells in this portion results in functional impairment of the cerebellum, resulting in ataxia. Other than this, diseases affecting the nerves that connect the muscles and the cerebellum also lead to ataxia.
Medical diagnosis of ataxia is done based on physical examination, medical history and family history of the patient. In order to identify ataxia type, the physician may conduct a complete neurological evaluation. According to the diagnostic results, the treatment will be taken forward. There is no specific treatment or cure for ataxia. Many of the patients (specially of the acquired type) recover by themselves, without following any therapeutic procedure; while others receive physical therapy and speech therapy sessions pertaining to the manifested symptoms.
Acute cerebellar ataxia treatment usually involves physical therapy and patients of this cerebellum dysfunction recover with time, within a few weeks to months time. On the other hand, spinocerebellar type is a hereditary, progressive and irreversible ailment that often causes disability. Consequently, spinocerebellar ataxia treatment is focused on managing the symptoms. If required, supportive devices such as canes, crutches, wheelchairs and communicative devices are recommended as a part of the therapeutic program.
Speaking more about hereditary ataxias, friedreich's type affects both sensory and cerebellar parts, while the former is more severe. Friedreich's ataxia treatment requires administration of medications and at times, surgical procedure for the heart or spine. As the condition worsens, assistive devices are used to improve mobility of the patient. Last but not the least, ataxia telangiectasia syndrome is resulted due to problems in both sensory and cerebellar, with the latter being more dominative. For ataxia telangiectasia treatment, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy are practiced to make the patient independent of others.
In general, ataxia patients administer over the counter medications such as antibiotics to reduce infections, while pain killers help relief painful symptoms. Besides therapeutic treatment, it is imperative to have a healthy diet plan along with nutritional supplements to promote the immune system and/or natural defense mechanism of the body.
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Ataxia Treatment - Buzzle