Diagnosis

Establishing a cause is the first step on the journey to discovering treatments.

Getting a specific diagnosis may be lengthy and complex. A neurologist may have to do many tests.

Even after extensive tests, a significant number of ataxias appear to be ‘sporadic’ or ‘idiopathic’ – the cause is unknown and the ataxia does not seem to be inherited.

However, one expert in the field suggests that diagnosis should be possible in 75 percent of patients.

If you have an ataxia which is currently classified as ‘sporadic’ or ‘idiopathic’, it is important to have regular appointments with a neurologist with specialist knowledge of the ataxias and recent research developments worldwide. The neurologist may also identify that some symptoms are not due to ataxia but another, treatable cause.

Do not give up hope of a diagnosis. New genes and other causes of ataxia are being discovered all the time by researchers around the world.

For more information go to:

Getting a diagnosis
Information on Cerebellar Ataxia page 12

Helpline: 0845 644 0606

Diagnosis