ATAXIA CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT - BY ABDUL RAUF

 

ATAXIA CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT - BY ABDUL RAUF

What Is Ataxia

The word ataxia comes from the Greek word ataxia, which means "disorderly". The term used to describe a variety of medical conditions. Ataxia is the loss of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements. Ataxia can impact a variety of activities, including speaking, eye movement, and swallowing. This disorder is due to damage parts of the nervous system that control movement and balance. Ataxia is usually caused by damage to the cerebellum but it can also damage to the spinal cord or other nerves. This disorder decreases the immunity and makes people more susceptible to infections. Symptoms usually start to appear itself in early childhood.

Types And Causes Of Ataxia

This disorder affects different motor or sensory regions of the central nervous system. In ataxia there is damage to the cerebellum, which is a cause of stroke, disease, or tumor.

Following are the types of ataxia

•Genetic ataxia

•Acquired ataxia

•Idiopathic ataxia

•Genetic ataxia: Genetic ataxia occurs when a person gets a faulty gene from their parents. Genetic ataxia usually passed down in two different ways

1. Dominant Way: Only one copy of the mutated gene required to have this condition. This gene can be hereditary transferred to next generation.

2. Recessive Way: Two copies of the mutated gene from each parent required to have the condition.

•Acquired ataxia: The cause of acquired ataxia are some traumas, vitamins deficiency and the infections or cancer.

•Idiopathic ataxia: Ataxia can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. Idiopathic ataxia is the term used to describe ataxia in these people.

What Are The Effects And Symptoms Of Ataxia

The symptoms of ataxia depend on the type of the condition of patient. Symptoms of ataxia include:

•Decreasing coordination.

•Standing and walking are difficult due to a lack of balance.

•The arms and legs have poor coordination.

•Difficulty with writing and eating.

•Difficulty with speech and swallowing.

•Slow eye movements and dizziness.

•Overarched feet.

•Tremors.

•Heart problems.

How Ataxia Diagnosed

When diagnosing ataxia, doctors examine a lot of factors. They will first request the medical history and ask if you have a family history of inherited ataxia. They may also ask about the medications you take and the level of alcohol consumption. They will perform physical and neurological evaluations. These tests can help the doctors to asses things like

• Coordination

• Balance

• Movement

• Reflexes

• Muscle strength

• Memory and concentration

• Vision

• Hearing

Other tests uses by doctors to determine the cause and diagnosis of ataxia. These include:

• Imaging Tests: A brain scan, such as a CT or MRI, can detect detailed images of your brain. This can play an important role for the doctor in detecting any abnormalities or tumors.

• Blood Tests: If ataxia is due to an infection, vitamins deficiency, or hypothyroidism, blood tests required to determine the cause of ataxia.

• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): A lumbar puncture is a procedure that involves taking a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from between two vertebrae in the lower back. The sample analysis required.

• Genetic Testing: Many types of inherited ataxias can be tested . A blood sample is used in this type of test to see if you have genetic alterations referred to inherited ataxia.

Treatment Of Ataxia Disorder

Although there is no cure for ataxia, therapy can help to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. The sad truth is that many patients have delays in diagnosis that in delayed treatment and poor response. There are many ways that may help to ease or manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life. Doctor will work to diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan. These include:

Medications: Ataxia is treated with medicines that have a specific effect on the brain and central nervous system. Medicines which have soothing effect on the capillaries as well as blood vessels are used to treat ataxia. Medicines can help manage symptoms like muscles control, bladder, heart and eye problems and medications are given to reduce anxiety, increase blood supply to the brain, and to help balance neurotransmitters.

Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs and walkers are examples of assistive devices that can help with movement. Communication aids can help with speaking.

Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help with mobility and balance. It can help maintaining muscle strength. Physiotherapy is to help with movement problems.

Speech therapy: Speech therapy can also help to manage symptoms. A speech therapist will teach the techniques to help make the speech clearer.

Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy teaches various strategies. Occupational therapy can help to deal with the daily life problems, and to learn new ways to do everyday activities.

Treatment of ataxia can prolongs and often lasts several years. Yet, treatment can definitely reduce morbidity and mortality for individuals affected. Medicines with a known specific activity of increasing immunity used in the therapy of this condition. Staying active as long one can is an important aspect of the treatment plan for patients with ataxia. Developing a plan with doctor, neurologist, or physical therapist helps in maintaining a healthy life.