Ataxia is a term that refers to a set of symptoms that are characterized mainly by the lack of coordination of movements of different parts of the body. This can have several causes, such as neurodegenerative problems, cerebral palsy, infections, hereditary factors, brain hemorrhages, malformations and can result from excessive drug or alcohol use, for example.
Generally, the person with ataxia has difficulty performing daily activities, such as picking up items and buckling clothes, and may have difficulty swallowing, writing, and speaking, however, the severity of symptoms depends on the type. ataxia and associated causes.
- Chronic ataxia is incurable.
- But can be controlled to improve a person’s quality of life.
- Therefore.
- When presenting symptoms.
- It is necessary to consult a neurologist to initiate appropriate treatment.
- Including the use of medication.
- Physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Ataxia is associated with the onset of several symptoms that may differ depending on the type. The types of ataxia are:
There is also a type of ataxia called idiopathic, which is characterized when the causes are unknown and usually occurs in the elderly.
Ataxia can occur in anyone without a specific cause, however, in most cases it occurs by genetic factors, i.e. it manifests as a result of defective genes, transmitted from parent to child, which can worsen from one generation to another.
Certain types of ataxia are caused by certain conditions, such as brain surgery, tumor or head trauma, excessive use of drugs or alcohol, exposure to toxic substances, serious infections, stroke, and other neurodegenerative problems, such as cerebral palsy or sclerosis. is an autoimmune disease in which defense cells attack the nervous system. Understand what multiple sclerosis is, your main symptoms, and your treatment.
Symptoms of ataxia vary depending on the type and severity of the nervous system disease or injury, but in most cases may occur:
In cases of chronic and incurable ataxia, signs such as recurrent infections, back problems, and heart disease from neurological degeneration may occur. In addition, ataxia and associated symptoms can occur at any age, as there are cases where the person was born with this change.
In case of ataxia and associated symptoms, it is important to consult a neurologist who will analyze the health history of the person and the whole family, to check for the possibility of genetic and hereditary changes. Your doctor may also recommend neurological tests to identify problems with body movement, vision, or speech.
In addition, other tests, such as MRI and CT scans, may be recommended, which provide detailed images of the brain, and through these tests, your doctor can check for brain damage and tumors. In addition, the neurologist may ask the person to perform blood tests and even a lumbar puncture to take a sample of the fluid circulating in the nervous system for laboratory testing. Learn more about lumbar puncture and side effects.
Treatment of ataxia depends on the type and severity of the disease, is indicated by a neurologist who may advise the use of antispasmodic and relaxing remedies, such as baclofen and tizanidine, or botox injections to relieve muscle contraction caused by brain changes caused by ataxia.
For the treatment of ataxia it is also important that the person perform physical therapy exercises to decrease uncoordinated body movements and to avoid muscle weakening or stiffness, the number of sessions depends on the degree of the disease and is recommended by the physical therapist.
In addition, it is recommended that the person with ataxia undergo occupational therapy, as this activity can help develop his personal independence, helping the person to adapt to the gradual loss of movement, by acquiring new skills to perform daily activities.