Neurodegenerative Diseases: Ataxia

Written by: Caroline Kim

August 10, 2024

In today’s piece on neurodegenerative diseases, the topic of interest is Ataxia. As defined by healthline, ataxia refers to medical issues with muscle movement which may ensue trouble with balance, eating, writing, and speech. This condition is a progressive disease meaning it worsens over time, and can affect individuals of any age(Seladi-Schulman). Ataxia results from damage to the nerve cells in the part of the brain known as the cerebellum, and may also be due to genetics (Seladi-Schulman). 

A notable distinction I’d like to make before diving into this condition is the difference between ataxia and apraxia. Cleveland Clinic defines apraxia as a brain condition “making it hard for you to do or describe actions you already know how to do… because your brain has a problem with processing these actions” whereas ataxia is described as “problems with coordinating muscle movements… your brain doesn’t have any problem with processing or describing the tasks”. In simpler terms, apraxia leans toward difficulty processing movements through the brain and ataxia leans towards challenges in physical movement. 

Healthline distinguishes 3 specific kinds of ataxia: cerebellar ataxia, sensory ataxia, and vestibular ataxia. As indicated by the name, cerebellar ataxia affects either the midline cerebellum or lateral cerebellum. Damage to the midline cerebellum results in vision change, lack of coordination, and tremors during movement (Seladi-Schulman). The latter of the two affects the outer regions of the cerebellum, often resulting in ataxia to one side of the body, speech problems, and difficulty reaching. Sensory ataxia indicates damage to the nerves in the spinal cord, vision system, or peripheral nerves which allow the body to control its locations and movements; damage to these nerves can result in symptoms such as trouble walking and standing with their feet together with their eyes closed (Seladi-Schulman). Vestibular ataxia impacts the vestibular system (nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain) causing dizziness, difficulty hearing, and difficulty balancing. 

As previously discussed, ataxia can be genetic, but it can also be acquired due to things such as head injury, stroke, hypothyroidism, and cerebral palsy (Mayo Clinic Staff). Some tests to diagnose this condition may involve imaging tests, blood tests, spinal taps, and genetic tests; while no cure exists, intervention to alleviate symptoms exist (Seladi-Schulman). Some of these treatment options may include medications for nerve pain, muscle relaxants, assistive devices, and therapy (Seladi-Schulman). According to Mayo Clinic, additional risk factors for ataxia include multiple sclerosis, heavy drinking, multiple system atrophy, and vitamin deficiency. Some extra precautions one can take to lower their risk of ataxia include a healthy diet, reducing exposure to drugs/alcohol/chemicals, treating any infections with care (Cleveland Clinic medical professional). 

Sources:

1. Seladi-Schulman, Jill. “Ataxia: Definition, Types, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 19 Dec. 2023, www.healthline.com/health/ataxia. Accessed 09 Aug. 2024. 

2. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Ataxia.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 30 Jan. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ataxia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355652. Accessed 10 Aug. 2024. 

3. Cleveland Clinic medical professional. “Ataxia: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Types.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17748-ataxia. Accessed 10 Aug. 2024.