Ataxia
From Holoprosencephaly
What is Ataxia?
The word "ataxia", comes from the Greek word, " a taxis" meaning "without order or incoordination". The word ataxia means without coordination. People with ataxia have problems with coordination because parts of the nervous system that control movement and balance are affected. Ataxia may affect the fingers, hands, arms, legs, body, speech, and eye movements. The word ataxia is often used to describe a symptom of incoordination which can be associated with infections, injuries, other diseases, or degenerative changes in the central nervous system. Ataxia is also used to denote a group of specific degenerative diseases of the nervous system called the hereditary and sporadic ataxias.
How is Ataxia Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on a person's medical history, family history, and a complete neurological evaluation including an MRI scan of the brain. Various blood tests may be performed to rule out other possible disorders which may present similar symptoms.
What are Common Symptoms?
Symptoms and time of onset very according to the type of ataxia. In fact there are often variations even within the same family with the same type of ataxia. Typically balance and coordination are affected. Incoordination of hands, arms, and legs, and slurring of speech are other common symptoms. Walking may be difficult and is characterized by walking with feet placed further apart to compensate for poor balance. Impaired coordination of the arms and hands affect a person's ability to perform tasks requiring fine motor control such as writing and eating. Slow eye movements can be seen in some form of ataxia. As time goes on, ataxia can affect speech and swallowing.
Treatment
There is no cure for the hereditary ataxias. If the ataxia is caused by another condition, that underlying condition is treated first. For example, ataxia caused by a metabolic disorder may be treated with medications and a controlled diet. Vitamin deficiency is treated with vitamin therapy. A variety of drugs may be used to treat gait and swallowing disorders. Physical therapy can strengthen muscles, while special devices or appliances can assist in walking and other activities of daily life.
The prognosis for individuals with ataxia depends on its underlying cause.
To learn more about movement problems and treatment options in children with Holoprosencephaly, also see:
[Do all children with HPE have movement problems?]
[How will I know if my child has Dystonia?]
You may also find this external link beneficial:Brain Connection
It describes what areas of the brain control muscle tone and movement.
References
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/ataxia/ataxia.htm http://www.ataxia.org/learn/ataxia-diagnosis.aspx http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/ataxia1.shtml http://www.mdvu.org/library/pediatric/ataxia/ata_tre.html
