A Guide To Ataxia Clinical Trials

Ataxia can have many different sources. It usually arises from neurological damage caused by a chronic health condition. Some people inherit ataxia from their parents. These cases are known as hereditary ataxia. However, most people develop ataxia later in life, called sporadic ataxia.

Ataxia can usually be traced back to damage to specific cells in the brain. Specifically, cells in the cerebellum, at the back of the head, get smaller or die. These cells are responsible for helping to coordinate voluntary movement and maintain equilibrium while the body is in motion.

Some conditions associated with sporadic ataxia include stroke, multiple sclerosis, and tumors. Peripheral neuropathy – nerve damage – some metabolic disorders, and vitamin deficiencies may also be involved. For most people, the biggest lifestyle risk factor is long-term alcoholism.

Genetic testing can determine if someone has hereditary ataxia. When ataxia is inherited on a set of recessive genes, it has a tendency to produce symptoms in childhood. Genetic testing should always be part of the treatment process for children who may be suffering ataxia.

Diagnosis of sporadic ataxia may require more tools and testing. A complete lab workup of the patient’s blood and urine should be done. An MRI scan, which uses radiofrequency energy to produce images of the body’s soft tissues, can evaluate damage to the brain.

During the diagnostic process, the medical team also rules out conditions that can contribute to ataxia: Head trauma, stroke, infection, tumors, drug exposure, and others can be detected during this time. This helps the doctor decide on the most effective course of treatment.