Ataxia Cerebellar Hereditary

Hereditary cerebellar ataxia: description of the disease

Cerebellar ataxia is a hereditary disease of the nervous system that manifests itself in impaired balance and coordination of movements. This disease affects the cerebellum, which regulates muscle coordination.

The disease can be either acquired or congenital. Congenital ataxia occurs due to genetic abnormalities or developmental disorders of the fetus in the womb. Acquired ataxia appears after the birth of a child; there can be many reasons for it.

What are the symptoms of hereditary cerebellar ataxia?

Signs of diseases may vary from person to person. Main symptoms include:

1. Difficulties with coordination, especially in the movements of the legs and arms; 2. Tremor, trembling in the arms and legs; 3. Problems with balance; 4. Unsteadiness when walking; 5. Difficulty performing complex tasks and activities (for example, getting dressed or zipping up a zipper); 6. Balance imbalance; 7. Loss of bowel and bladder control.

It is important to note that symptoms may vary in severity and should only be taken into account in conjunction with medical findings. Depending on the type of ataxia, symptoms may vary from person to person.

Hereditary cerebellar ataxia

Hereditary ataxia of the cerebellar type is a pathological condition characterized by difficulty coordinating movements, accompanied by instability in an upright position and imbalance when walking. Patients complain of dizziness and falling, often losing their balance even with little physical activity. This leads to a limitation of social contacts, work, and in some cases is accompanied by instability in reading and writing. Impairment of motor function due to ataxia does not appear immediately, but occurs after a long period from the moment the signs of hereditary cerebellar ataxia are detected. First of all, patients exhibit spontaneous (unconscious) vibrations of the body while walking. These fluctuations can increase as their duration increases. When shaking the head or extending an arm, imbalance and coordination are observed. They are quite distinct and can appear to varying degrees against the background of spontaneous ataxia and last up to several minutes.