Ataxia Awareness

The word “ataxia” comes from the Greek word ataxis meaning “without order” or “incoordination.”  However, Ataxia is also used to refer to a group of disorders that display the symptom as a dominant feature.  Ataxia can be a symptom of many disorders, including those associated with infections, injuries or degenerative changes in the central nervous system.  Spinocerebellar Ataxia is a form of hereditary ataxia, a special group of inherited diseases, which have in common that they cause degeneration of the cerebellum (the “coordination center” of the brain) or its pathways.[1]

Spinocerebellar ataxias are characterized by a progressive incoordination of walking.  In addition they are often associated with poor coordination of hand movements, eye movements, and speech.  With some exceptions, the onset of symptoms usually occurs after the age of 18 (“adult onset”).  Spinocerebellar ataxia is slowly progressive, which means that symptoms of the condition gradually worsen over time.  Some types of SCA can progress more rapidly than others.  At this time, there is no cure or treatment that can prevent or slow the progression of symptoms or atrophy of the cerebellum.[2]

Ataxia Support

National

The National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) was incorporated in Minnesota in 1957 as a nonprofit organization with four important goals: service, education, research and prevention.  For more valuable information please go directly to their web site at www.ataxia.org