Ataxia is a medical condition which results in the lack of muscle coordination that usually affects voluntary movements such as walking, eye movements, speech, and the patient’s ability to swallow.

1. ATAXIA
CAUSES | SYMPTOMS | DIAGNOSIS |
TREATMENT

2. WHAT IS ATAXIA??
• 'Ataxia' means 'lack of order'. People with ataxia have
problems with movement, balance and speech
• Over 10,000 adults in the UK have a form of ataxia and
about 5,000 children
• Several types of ataxia start in childhood and can leave
children in wheelchairs, struggling to talk and walk
• Friedreich's ataxia is th emost common form
• There is currently no cure for ataxia but many research
organisation are working to find the treatment.

3. • Sensory Ataxia- It occurs due to the loss of
proprioception. The dorsal column of the spinal cord
fails to carry proprioception information from the body
to the brain.
• Vestibular Ataxia- It occurs when there are irregularities
in the vestibular canal. This type of ataxia results in the
feeling of vertigo, nausea, and vomiting.
• Cerebral Ataxia- It occurs when there is a problem in the
cerebellum. The abnormalities in the cerebellum affect
the vision and body balance of the patient.
TYPES OF ATAXIA

4. The most common cause of ataxia is the deficiency of Vitamin
B12. The other causes of ataxia may include:
• Brain tumour
• Drug abuse
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Head injury
• Multiple sclerosis
• Infection
• Genetic defect
• Bleeding in the brain
• Exposure to toxic chemicals such as mercury or lead
• Trauma
CAUSES OF ATAXIA

5. The signs and symptoms depend on the type and severity of
the ataxia. If you experience any of the below symptoms,
consult a Neurologist.
• Lack of body balance
• Tremors and frequent shivering in the body
• Hearing problems
• Vision impairment
• Fatigue
• Swallowing difficulties
• Speech impairment
• Headaches
• Dizziness
SYMPTOMS OF ATAXIA??

6. • Electromyography (EMG) – It records and evaluates the
electrical impulses in the muscles. Electrodes are placed
in the muscles to detect the area of the nerve damage.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) - This test measures the
amount of blood cells in your body. The amount of red
and white blood cells and platelets is known through
this test.
DIAGNOSIS OF ATAXIA??

7. • CT (Computerised Tomography) - It is a technique in
which several x-rays are taken from a different angle
and combined later to make detailed images of the
affected area.
• MRI (Magnetic Resource Imaging) - It is an imaging test
in which high frequency magnetic and radio waves are
used to get detailed images of inside the brain.
• Urinalysis - This test helps in detecting the infection that
may be contributing in the development of Ataxia.
CONTINUE:- DIAGNOSIS OF ATAXIA??

8. • Medicines- A doctor prescribes certain medicines to
boost the patient’s immunity system and reduce the
frequency of muscle spasm and uncontrolled eye
movements.
• Speech therapy- With the help of speech aids, the speech
therapist deals with problems of coughing, swallowing,
choking, and speech problems.
• Orthopaedic and Physical therapy- It includes particular
exercise to increase the strength and mobility of the
muscle. These therapies are effective in the treatment of
spine disorders.
WHAT IS ATAXIA??

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