Causes

There are different causes for different types of ataxia. For example:

Inherited (such as Friedreich’s ataxia or the spinocerebellar ataxias). For more information on how ataxia may be inherited, see Genetics and Ataxia.

Congenital cerebellar malformation (abnormalities since birth)

Gluten ataxia (sensitivity to gluten)

Vitamin E or CoQ10 deficiency

Exposure to trauma or a toxin (for example, a head injury, including a birth injury or a viral infection)

There are also idiopathic ataxias, where the cause is unknown.

There are more details in the booklet Information about Cerebellar Ataxia.

Further causes of ataxia, including newly identified faulty genes that cause inherited ataxias, are being discovered by research teams around the world.

Helpline: 0845 644 0606

Causes