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Precision Medicine
4 May 2021
It is a condition in which control of the muscles and the ability to perform movements voluntarily are partially or totally lost, and can also cause problems swallowing, speaking, or moving the eyes.
Ataxia is commonly caused by a lesion in the cerebellum, which is in charge of muscles coordination. Such damage can be caused by genetic inheritance, multiple sclerosis, alcoholism, some drugs, stroke, tumors, degenerative neurological diseases, thyroid problems, autoimmune diseases, trauma, infections, and poisoning.
The treatment indicated for ataxia usually depends on the degree of involvement and the direct cause, but when treating the cause, it is common to complement physical, occupational, and language therapy, with a permanent physical activity program.
The symptoms can appear suddenly or develop progressively. The most frequent being:
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately to determine the cause of your ataxia and treat it promptly.
Once the doctor analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, you will have a physical examination that will include a neurological exam to identify the possible cause of your ataxia. Also, to rule out conditions and confirm the diagnosis, you will be asked for:
There is no specialized treatment for this condition, but many times, by treating the direct cause, the ataxia disappears.
However, in addition to the specific treatment of the cause, your doctor may prescribe some drugs to control the symptoms or prescribe the use of devices to walk or perform other activities that are difficult for you.
Similarly, it has been seen that using various support therapies can significantly collaborate in the recovery of patients, such as:
Additionally, recent studies have concluded that transcranial magnetic stimulation is effective in improving movements in patients affected by ataxia, who can also combine an aerobic exercise program to help their recovery. At the Neurological Center, a select group of highly trained and certified doctors in the various neurological specialties are ready to assist you with the quality and warmth that characterizes us.
Nervous system specialties
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