Ataxia

Ataxia is the name of the health condition in humans, which shows symptoms related to the brain. The name is also given to the group of neurological disorders related to the nervous system. There is no cure available for the condition and the available treatments are to ease off the symptoms. The condition can occur due to brain not being able to perform the coordination properly and leading to improper speech in children. There could also be difference in coordination among the arms, legs or other body parts, as an effect of this condition. Ataxia is an incurable disease which normally affects nervous system of human being. Depending on type and severity of the patient affected the treatment could be given to the patient.

Symptoms

The symptoms would include poor coordination among legs and arms and slurred speech. Some of the symptoms like lack of facial expressions, slow speech, and cold feed or difficulty with swallowing won’t be realized upfront, but with time can be noticed. It can also raise some emotional issues like depression due to its severe effects on the patient as well as the family members. In some case the condition has also infested the person as an outcome of an injury or accident. Some worse conditions have left patients deaf and dumb too. Depression is one of the major symptoms of this condition, which sets in implicitly. As per the survey conducted, people between the age of four to 16 years, have been seen affected with Ataxia maximum times.

Causes

In most of the cases, the major cause attributed to this condition is the faulty gene passed over from the family to the kid. It can also set in as a result of brain surgery, head injury, viral infections or brain tumours. If the disease has come due to inheritance factor, then the doctor would also need to see the state of parents and if they are also suffering from some symptoms.

Diagnosis

The doctor would refer to the neurologists if they suspect ataxia. The neurologist may need to conduct a MRI scan, Genetic test, blood test to find out the extent of the condition. At the time of treatment; doctor would want to find out the full history of the disease, the reasons and causes behind the condition, and also confirm if any one in the patient’s family has been suffering from the same disease. This analysis shall help the doctor in giving the proper and considerate amount of prescription to the patient. The treatment can only relieve the pain and improve the conditions, not treat it completely, so the correct diagnosis is imperative.

Treatment

There is no cure which is available for the condition. There are different treatments depending on the actual extent of damage to the brain, which can help in easing off the symptoms. Therapies like occupational therapy can help the patients in better adaptations. Speech therapy would help tackling speech and swallowing problems, and also relieve cough and choking issues. There would also be a session or special emphasis for orthopaedic care for curvature of spine. In most of the cases, counselling would be needed which helps in relieving the stress in the family. The symptoms would mean that the condition becomes very painful and tough to bear with for all in the family and the patient as well. There is a huge loss in physical mobility of the patient and they would need help of a wheelchair which could be quite a tough experience for everyone around.