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Ataxia is a movement disorder affecting the coordination required for eye movement, speech, limb movement, and balance. Ataxia can be a symptom within a range of disorders or can occur as a standalone movement disorder.

The Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health is recognized by the National Ataxia Foundation as a designated ataxia Center of Excellence including in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of ataxia. UF Health is honored to be one of only 25 medical facilities in the United States to receive this prestigious designation, showcasing our commitment to delivering comprehensive patient care, clinical research, professional training, community education, outreach, and more.

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We are proud to care for patients at UF Health Shands Hospital, ranked as one of the nation's top hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report.

What is ataxia?

Ataxia occurs when you have a problem that affects your body's coordination. Ataxia can cause you to move in uncertain or clumsy ways. This is due to ataxia affecting the cerebellum, inner ear, and other areas of your nervous system responsible for movement.

Ataxia can refer to a group of disorders or as a symptom of a specific disease.

Ataxia as a symptom is common. Conditions with symptoms of ataxia include, but are not limited to:

Ataxia as a disorder is less common and often occurs with a genetic mutation or genetic ataxia. Examples of ataxia as a disorder include Friedreich’s ataxia and spinocerebellar ataxia. Friedreich’s ataxia affects approximately 1 in 50,000 people globally and is the most common inherited ataxia. Spinocerebellar ataxia type affects approximately 3 in 100,000 people.

What are the symptoms of ataxia?

Ataxia can cause different symptoms depending on the person.

Common symptoms of ataxia include:

  • Trouble with balance and coordination
  • Difficulty walking or moving around
  • Loss of movement control (shaky hands, arms and legs)
  • Slurred speech or difficulty swallowing
  • Wide-based gait (manner of walking)
  • Difficulty with writing and eating
  • Involuntary movement
  • Slow or unusual eye movements

Ataxia symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors including:

  • Genetic changes (inherited ataxias)
  • Injury, inflammation, stroke, tumors, or infections (acquired ataxias)
  • No determinable cause (idiopathic ataxias)

What causes ataxia?

Because the term ataxia covers multiple types of ataxia, there are also many possible causes. The most common causes fall into one of three categories:

Inherited ataxia develops because of changes or mutations in genes. Inherited ataxias pass from generation to generation in families. Examples of inherited ataxia include:

  • Spinocerebellar ataxia
  • Episodic ataxia
  • Friedreich’s ataxia,
  • Ataxia telangiectasia
  • Mitochondrial ataxia

There are currently no cures for inherited ataxia, but genetic testing can tell you if a gene mutation is present.

Acquired ataxia develops because of an infection or injury, toxin or nutritional deficiency. Examples of acquired ataxia include autoimmune ataxia, B12 deficiency, or side effects from certain medications. Some acquired ataxias can be temporary or reversible.

Idiopathic ataxia develops without a known reason or cause. Doctors are not sure why idiopathic ataxia develops, and more research is needed to understand this issue. Examples of idiopathic ataxia include sporadic ataxia and multiple system atrophy, which may have a genetic component that has yet to be identified.

What are the three main areas of ataxia?

There are three areas of ataxia: cerebellar ataxia, sensory ataxia, and vestibular ataxia.

Spinocerebellar ataxia, or cerebellar ataxia, is a type of ataxia that affects the brain stem and cerebellum. These are parts of the brain responsible for controlling coordination and balance.

Sensory ataxia is a type of ataxia that affects the brain’s automatic ability to sense where each body part is in space to maintain balance.

Vestibular ataxia is a type of ataxia affecting the inner ear. The inner ear is also responsible for balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.

How common is ataxia?

Ataxia is a relatively rare disease, meaning it is not very common.

Inherited ataxia, caused by genetic mutations, affects between 5-10 people per 100,000. Idiopathic ataxia occurs in a similar number of people.

How is ataxia diagnosed?

Diagnosing ataxia usually involves a physical exam by a doctor with expertise in movement disorders or neuromuscular medicine. A central component of diagnosis is increasingly sophisticated and comprehensive genetic testing. Your doctor will assess your movement and coordination to determine ataxia type. They may also ask questions about your medical and family history to see if your ataxia has a genetic cause.

Your UF Health care team may also order additional tests to help diagnose ataxia. These tests may include blood tests, imaging such as an MRI or CT scan, and nerve conduction studies. These tests can help your care team see what is happening inside the body and identify any underlying causes of the ataxia.

Imaging tests for ataxia
Imaging tests can help in the diagnosis and treatment of ataxia.

How is ataxia treated?

Treatment options depend on the underlying cause of ataxia.

In some cases, treating the underlying cause may help improve the symptoms of ataxia. For example, if ataxia is caused by an infection, treating the infection may help reduce the symptoms.

In other cases, there may not be a cure for ataxia, but there are ways to manage the symptoms. At UF Health, our team uses a multidisciplinary approach to support you and optimize your quality of life.

As a patient at UF Health, your care team will work with you to determine your best treatment plan, which can include:

  • Physical therapy to improve balance and movement
  • Occupational therapy to help with daily activities
  • Speech therapy to improve communication skills.

You may also benefit from medications to help manage your symptoms. For example, some medications can help reduce tremors and improve muscle control.

During your appointment at UF Health, your care team may share information about active research opportunities. Clinical trials are essential for advancing our knowledge and understanding of ataxia and for developing new and effective treatment and medication options that can improve the lives of people living with ataxia.

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Clinical Trials: Ataxia

UF Health research scientists make medicine better every day. They discover new ways to help people by running clinical trials. When you join a clinical trial, you can get advanced medical care. Sometimes years before it's available everywhere. You can also help make medicine better for everyone else. If you'd like to learn more about clinical trials, visit our clinical trials page. Or click one of the links below:

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News and Patient Stories: Ataxia

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