Ataxia

Ataxia is known as a rare condition that covers a group of neurological disorders. Depending on what type of ataxia someone has, it can present in different ways; with coordination, balance and speech being affected in most cases.

Damage to the cerebellum is the main cause of ataxia, however damage to other areas of the nervous system can cause this too. The cerebellum is important for motor control and coordination. When the cerebellum is damaged this can lead to movements becoming more uncoordinated and unbalanced, which are common symptoms of ataxia.

Ataxia is not specific to just one cause. It can be inherited from family members, developed from a brain injury, excessive alcoholism, or can be part of another underlying condition. An example of one of these conditions is MS.

In the UK around 10,000 adults and around 500 children have ataxia. Depending on the type of ataxia someone has, this can present from an early age, whilst others can develop much later into adulthood.

Ataxia UK is a good source of information relevant to finding out more about ataxia, and what support can be accessed.

This can be different depending on the type of ataxia someone has. However, the most common symptoms are:

• Difficulties with coordination and balance
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulties with swallowing
• Trouble completing fine motor skills e.g., writing
• Walking becomes unsteady
• Development of vision difficulties

For more information about the varied symptoms and information around ataxia, visit Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Whilst there is no cure to ataxia there are treatments that may help control symptoms. To create a treatment plan, an initial assessment will be conducted to give a baseline of limitations and impairments.

• Physiotherapy- targeting coordination, balance, core stability, gait, and strength based on the individual’s goals.
• Occupational therapy – assisting with problem solving and maintaining independence in activities of daily living. May make changes in home environment, potential use of equipment.
• Speech and language therapy – speech and swallow management.

Medication can be used in order to help control some of the symptoms that can occur with ataxia.

You can access more information around the different treatment options here depending on your symptoms: Ataxia – Treatment – NHS

Ataxia can have a significant impact on the way in which people live their lives. It is important that through these difficult changes, there are areas of support that you can access to help with struggles you may have. Below are some services that you may find beneficial to access.

Ataxia UK has a helpline which can be used to contact about any information and support an individual may need whilst living with ataxia. This can be accessed here: Helpline – Ataxia UK

There are also available support groups that people can access through Ataxia UK in order to promote socialising and the sharing of everyone’s experiences. These are not just available to individuals who have been diagnosed, but also to those who can be affected by it. This means that family members, carers, friends and children can join too, in order to get the most out of the experience.

• Branches & Support Groups – Ataxia UK
• A list of Branches & support groups

Health Unlocked is an online forum site, where individuals with ataxia can share their different experiences and give advice to each other. It’s a place where you can ask questions and share any worries that you may have and other people in the same position can answer.

Ataxia can be diagnosed through a number of different tests and will depend on the type of ataxia that someone has. Ways that you may be diagnosed:

• Through family and medical history
• Blood and urine tests to rule out other conditions
• Brain scans- MRI or CT scans are used mainly
• Genetic testing

For other ways of diagnosing and more detail around this, you can access Ataxia – Diagnosis – NHS.

There are three main categories that the different types of ataxia fall under:

Hereditary – this is caused by a faulty gene that is passed down from family members and it has developed throughout the years. One of the more common hereditary ataxias is Freidreich’s ataxia.

Acquired – this is where there is no genetic component and symptoms just start developing. This can be for a number of reasons including being a part of another underlying condition; such as MS. Other reasons could be damage to other parts of the nervous system, certain cancers and drug use.

Idiopathic – this is where the cause of ataxia is not yet known. This has been found to make up 50% of individuals living with ataxia.

More information on the different types can be found and accessed from Ataxia – Types – NHS and Types of Ataxia – Ataxia UK.

Exercise is important for individuals with ataxia to help reduce the progression of functional degeneration, maintaining strength and balance. According to the World Health Organisation, the general guidelines for activity in adults is at least 150-300 minutes of moderate- intensity aerobic activity, or 75-150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity in a week. If you would like to access more information about activity guidelines this can be found here: Physical activity

Most simple exercises are beneficial for individuals living with ataxia. They do not have to always be ataxia specific for it to have a positive impact. As the condition affects a number of different things, it may be beneficial to look at exercises specific for the areas affected.

Below there are a number of different sources which are specific to ataxia, but also sources that are relevant for balance, coordination and core stability. Exercises for these key components are largely relevant in maintaining strength and balance, and slowing further development of the physical symptoms.

Here is a source that has exercises specific for ataxia from the National Ataxia Foundation. This includes exercises for a variety of levels, so these can be chosen based on your ability: 11 Exercises for Ataxia Patients

John Hopkins Medicine also has a video about ataxia exercises that you could try: Cerebellar Ataxia Exercises

Here are some exercises provided by the NHS, which are beneficial if balance is something you are wanting to improve. These exercises are easy to follow but should be completed near a wall or chair in case you feel unsteady: Balance exercises – NHS

Bupa Health UK has a video on simple core stability exercises for you to try at home. Core exercises are beneficial as they have been found to improve balance and can also lead to an improved posture: Core stability exercises

Yoga has been found to be beneficial for individuals living with ataxia as it has multiple benefits. Whilst working on balance, it works on strength, flexibility and can also work on relaxing muscles. It’s important to work within your own abilities and know what you are capable of: 8 Yoga Poses for Beginners and Their Benefits

• Ataxia – NHS
• Ataxia – The Brain Charity
• Ataxia | NHS inform
• Resources And Information – Ataxia UK