What is ataxia?
Ataxia is a disease of the nervous system.
The term "ataxia" is also used to denote a set of neurological symptoms , which indicate that something is affecting the parts of the nervous system responsible for balance, coordination and precise movement, which can be caused by different diseases.
Ataxia can have many causes and there are many types of ataxias , some are hereditary and degenerative, others can be acquired.
Many of the symptoms of ataxia are similar to those of people under the influence of alcohol, such as slurred speech, a staggering gait, and poor motor coordination. These symptoms are caused by damage to the cerebellum—the structure shown in green in the figure above, which is the part of the brain responsible for coordinating our movements.
Portuguese video with English subtitles.
Depending on the type of ataxia, other areas of the nervous system besides the cerebellum may be affected, such as the brainstem (especially the pons and medulla), the spinocerebellar tracts (in the spinal cord), the basal ganglia , peripheral nerves and, in some cases, the cerebral cortex (frontal and parietal lobe, mainly).
In some types of ataxia (such as Friedreich's ataxia) other systems (besides the nervous system) may be affected, such as the cardiovascular, endocrine, immune and gastrointestinal systems.
These multisystemic manifestations highlight the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in the management of ataxias.
People with ataxia may have difficulty using their fingers and hands, arms, legs, walking, speaking, swallowing, or moving their eyes. Ataxia can affect people of any race and age.
The age at which symptoms appear can vary greatly, from childhood to adulthood.
Affective and cognitive symptoms can also manifest in some types of ataxia, such as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3):
Cognitive (thought-related) symptoms
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Memory difficulties.
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Difficulty concentrating.
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Decline in executive functions (e.g., difficulty planning, organizing, solving problems, or making decisions),
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Mild language changes.
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Visuospatial impairment ( difficulty judging distances or organizing objects in space).
Affective (emotional) symptoms
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Anxiety.
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Depression.
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Apathy.
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Irritation.
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Other mood disorders.
These affective-cognitive symptoms arise due to cerebellar degeneration and the cerebellum's connections with other areas of the nervous system, such as the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. Neuropsychological assessment is essential to monitor these manifestations and guide multidisciplinary interventions (e.g., therapy, medication).
Currently, there is no cure for ataxia, but there is treatment for the symptoms , involving combinations of medications and therapies to improve quality of life. Seeking medical treatment for the symptoms is important because the complications ataxia brings are serious and often disabling. Some types of ataxias can lead to premature death.
Why is it important to talk about ataxia?
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It is a rare but underdiagnosed condition.
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Many patients go years without a correct diagnosis.
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Informing the population helps with early diagnosis, access to therapies, and the fight for public health policies.
