About Ataxia

Ataxia is a brain disease of the cerebellum (along with its connections with other parts of the brain and spinal cord). Ataxia is the broad description of a perplexing, sometimes fatal, condition that robs its victims of their ability to coordinate movement, the critical work of the cerebellum. Walking, talking, holding objects, eye contact, even swallowing become monumental and, eventually, insurmountable tasks. Cerebellar disease does not produce ataxia by making muscles weak, but rather by destroying muscle coordination and by making it difficult, and eventually impossible, to move any part of the body accurately. Ataxia affects at least 150,000 Americans - three times the number of individuals affected by Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS).

Who is at risk?

There is currently no prevention or cure for the most prevalent forms of ataxia. There are several different types of ataxia. One-third of ataxias acquired after the age of 20 are hereditary. Ataxia strikes people from all walks of life. For some it appears as early as infancy. Certain forms develop during the adolescent years. Other forms of ataxia may suddenly affect individuals during the prime of life.