THE MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE EXPERIENCE
What is Ataxia?
The true definition for “ataxia” is “without coordination” and, for somebody with Ataxia, that can mean different things as they lose control of their limbs. This can lead to issues related to balance and coordination, such as walking. Ataxia is a degenerative disease of the nervous system and people with it can mimic the behaviour of a drunk person (stumbling, falling down, clumsy movement and slurred speech).
The 3 main types of Ataxia are
- Acquired Ataxia – caused by trauma
- Hereditary Ataxia – inherited from a parent, symptoms slowly worsen
- Idiopathic Late-Onset Cerebellar Ataxia – caused by brain damage
Ataxia symptoms
- Balance issues
- Breathing issues
- Coordination issues
- Difficulties to eat
- Difficulties to write
- Eye movement issues
- Heart issues
- Speech issues
- Swallowing issues
- Walking issues
Ataxia sub-symptoms
Living with Ataxia’s symptoms can lead to sub-symptoms and other conditions such as:
- Blood clots
- Dementia
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Falling down
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure
- Pressure sores
- Stiffened muscles
- Stumbling
- Tremors
Causes of Ataxia
Ataxia can happen for several reasons, including metabolic disorders, (such as Mitochondrial Diseases) which damage part of the brain called the cerebellum (which controls muscle coordination) or its connections. Other causes include:
- Alcoholism
- Brain damage
- Head injury
- Inherited from parents
- Lack of oxygen to the brain
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nerve damage
- Strokes
- Tumors
- Vitamin deficiencies
Who gets Ataxia?
Anybody can get Ataxia at any age (causes listed above) and, although life expectation (compared to somebody without Ataxi) is shorter, people can live beyond their 70’s. In severe cases, it can be fatal (e.g. breathing/swallowing issues can lead to choking).
Is there a cure for Ataxia?
No, there isn’t a cure for Ataxia but treatment is available to manage specific symptoms.
Sources
I am not a health professional. For more info on Ataxia speak to your health consultant and visit these sites:
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