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Frequently Asked Questions

What is ataxia?
‘Ataxia’ means a lack of co-ordination. It is the principal symptom of a group of rare neurological disorders called cerebellar ataxia. Most cerebellar ataxias are progressive. Ataxia can also be a symptom of other conditions such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.

What are the symptoms?
First symptoms are often clumsiness and loss of co-ordination. But ataxia progressively affects mobility and speech and can lead to total physical dependency.

Because symptoms typically include poor co-ordination of the arms and legs and slurred speech (dysarthria), people with ataxia are commonly accused of being drunk. This causes them great distress.

How do you get it?
Ataxia is not contagious or infectious. Some forms of ataxia, such as Friedreich’s ataxia, are inherited. Some may be caused by trauma or toxic exposure. But there are still many cases where we do not know the cause or even whether it is inherited.

How common is it?
Previously, around 5000 people in the UK were believed to have some form of cerebellar ataxia. This is now thought to be a substantial underestimate. ‘Rare’ Ataxias May Be More Common Than Huntington’s Disease.

We are funding research to obtain more accurate statistics. Because ataxia is rare, it may be many years before doctors identify what is wrong with a patient.

At what age do you get ataxia?
There is considerable variation. It depends on the kind of ataxia, and then varies from one individual to another. Some ataxias have been diagnosed in two-year olds. Some ataxias are diagnosed in the teenage years, others much later in life, in people in their 50s or 60s.

How quickly does ataxia progress?
This varies between different types of ataxias and between individuals, but is normally slow. Changes usually take place over many years.

How many kinds of ataxia are there?
There are now known to be more than 40 forms of inherited ataxias. New forms of ataxia continue to be identified as scientific techniques improve.

What genetic tests are available?
In the UK, genetic tests are available for some spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), as well as Friedreich's ataxia.

Will someone with ataxia have children with ataxia?
The likelihood that children will either have ataxia or be carriers of it depends on whether the ataxia is inherited, and if so how. If a parent has a dominantly inherited ataxia, they have a fifty per cent chance of passing it to each child. If the ataxia is recessively inherited, a parent may be a carrier and not affected by ataxia. In this case, there is a one in four chance of having a child with ataxia. See our genetics leaflet for more details.

What is the treatment?
There is currently no cure for ataxia. There is a range of treatments which may help to relieve symptoms. These include various medications, as prescribed by a doctor, speech therapy which may also help with swallowing difficulties, and physiotherapy.

After diagnosis, the GP or neurologist may refer the patient to a number of other health professionals, such as occupational therapists, speech therapists and specialist nurses. Social workers should also be a source of information.

What is the role of Ataxia UK?
Ataxia UK is the leading UK charity for all people affected by ataxia. We support people affected by ataxia, their families and friends with information, welfare grants, campaigning and the opportunity to meet and help others affected by ataxia.

Ataxia UK funds world class medical research aimed at preventing ataxia, halting its progress and treating symptoms. Important advances have been made, particularly in the last ten years, in the diagnosis of different ataxias, and in understanding the underlying causes of some types.

Why is diagnosis so important?
Diagnosis helps people with ataxia to make important decisions about their lives, such as whether they wish to start a family.

Diagnosis is also critical for future research. Because ataxia is rare, it can be difficult for researchers to find a statistically significant number of people to take part in trials. The more people are diagnosed, the greater the chance of finding these numbers.

What research projects have been funded by Ataxia UK recently?
Some examples are:


Other research is being carried out around the world. The Research Projects Manager for Ataxia UK is in close contact with the scientific community. Our research project funding is partly decided by this knowledge.

For the latest news from Ataxia UK and to join our media mailing list, contact Ataxia UK Press Officer Barnaby Levy on 020 7582 1444 pressoffice@ataxia.org.uk.

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