Ataxia (Ataxia) and treatment direction

Ataxia is a degenerative nervous system disease. Symptoms are caused by damage to the cerebellum (the part of the brain that helps the body coordinate movements). Treatment requires a combination of drugs and therapies to improve and improve quality of life. 

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• 1. Cause
• 2. Diagnosis
• 3. Treatment

1. Cause

Most of the disorders that lead to ataxia are found to be due to atrophy or degeneration of cerebellar cells. The cerebellum is a circular structure, located at the back of the head, attached to the brain. The function of the cerebellum is to coordinate movements when moving or maintaining postural balance.

The cerebellum is located at the back of the head and is responsible for coordination and balance

Damage to the cerebellum can occur as a result of injury or disease (acquired motor ataxia (Ataxia)) or from degeneration of the cerebellum due to an inherited faulty gene (motor ataxia (Ataxia) caused by genetic). Sometimes there is no obvious cause for why the cerebellum is damaged. These cases are called idiopathic ataxia.

1.1. Acquired ataxia (Ataxia)

• Severe head injury such as after a traffic accident or fall.
• Encephalitis or bacterial meningitis .
• Viral infection. Some viral diseases such as chickenpox or measles can affect the brain. However, this condition is quite rare.
• Causes of decreased blood supply to the brain such as cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage or ischemic shock.
• Cerebral palsy, an abnormal development of the brain, can occur before, during, or shortly after birth.
• Multiple sclerosis – a condition that damages the central nervous system.
• Long term alcohol abuse.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency .
• Brain tumors.
• Some chemicals are toxic, for example mercury.
• Some drugs, such as benzodiazepines, sometimes have the side effects of ataxia.

1.2. Hereditary ataxia (Ataxia)

Hereditary ataxia (Ataxia) is usually caused by a faulty gene. A gene is a unit of DNA that helps determine a specific human trait, such as gender or eye color. So is Ataxia, where a defect in a certain gene can make abnormal proteins. Different gene defects can produce different motor ataxias.

Hereditary ataxia (Ataxia)

1.3. Idiopathic ataxia (Ataxia)

In many cases, no clear cause has been found, such as idiopathic cerebellar degeneration, multiple cerebellar system atrophy.

2. Diagnosis

If your child or you have unexplained signs such as loss of balance and coordination, difficulty walking, difficulty talking or swallowing, you should see a specialist.

2.1. Personal and family medical history

Your doctor may ask you about your family history of the condition. Doctors also want to know about the progression and progression of symptoms that are getting worse or worse.

You also need to let your doctor know if you drink alcohol, what kind you drink, how much alcohol you drink each time, and whether you are taking any medications. Alcohol and some drugs also cause ataxia-like symptoms in some people.

Drinking alcohol causes some symptoms similar to ataxia

2.2. Test

You may be asked to have some tests to rule out illnesses that can cause the same symptoms as an infection. These tests may include blood tests and urine tests.

Other tests to find the cause of ataxia (Ataxia) may be needed, such as:

• Gene testing

You may have blood drawn and DNA tested to look for any genetic mutations known to cause ataxia (Ataxia).

Gene testing

• Brain imaging tests

Brain “imaging” can also be used to check for chemical abnormalities in the brain or other problems that may affect your brain, such as a brain tumor.

The most commonly used brain imaging techniques are:

• • Magnetic Resonance (MRI).
  • Computed tomography (CT-scan).

• Other tests

You may need to have other tests to help diagnose ataxia (Ataxia) and determine its severity, such as:

• • Lumbar puncture: a collection of cerebrospinal fluid to check for infection and any other abnormalities.
  • Electromyography (EMG): evaluates electrical activity in the nerves and muscles.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): evaluates the electrical activity of the heart.
  • Echocardiography.

Electromechanical measurement

3. Treatment

Treatment can vary from person to person as it depends on the type of ataxia (Ataxia) you have. In some cases, treatment can only treat the underlying cause so that the condition improves or doesn't get worse. However, in cases where these treatments are not enough, you need treatments to relieve your symptoms.

3.1. Treatment plan

You may be treated and cared for by a team of neurologists, rehabilitative doctors – physical therapists. Having a treatment plan will help you better manage your condition.

3.2. Symptomatic treatment

Treatments for the symptoms of ataxia (Ataxia) can vary from person to person. Not everyone needs to implement all of the methods described below.

• Speech therapy

A speech therapist can help with one of the two most common symptoms of ataxia (Ataxia) which is slurred speech – dyslexia and swallowing problems – dysphagia. Experts can advise on how to make your voice clearer.

For the treatment of dysphagia, your doctor may teach you exercises that stimulate the nerves to activate the swallowing reflex as well as strengthen the swallowing muscles.

You may also be referred to a dietitian for advice on a diet tailored to your condition. For example, you may need to eat foods that are easier to swallow than usual.

• Occupational therapy

The purpose of this therapy is to teach you how to cope with progressive loss of mobility and to help develop new skills that you can apply in your everyday life.

An occupational therapist can teach you how to use a wheelchair and other equipment. They also advise you on changes in the house to be more suitable.

• Physical therapy

In patients with ataxia (Ataxia), physical therapy can help maintain limb use and prevent muscle weakness and atrophy. A physiotherapist can guide you through appropriate physical exercises to do each day.

Physiotherapy

• Bladder problems

Bladder problems can include urinary retention or, more rarely, urinary incontinence. In some cases, bladder problems can be partially controlled by techniques such as limiting fluid intake throughout the day and scheduling frequent bowel movements. In addition, avoiding beverages that stimulate urine production such as coffee and alcohol can also help.

Some people may be asked to take medication to help relax the bladder and reduce the frequency of urination.

>> See also: Urinary incontinence: Doctor's advice and ways to improve the nuisance

Urinary catheterization

Some people may have difficulty emptying the bladder causing urine leakage later on. In such cases, they need catheterization, which is to put a catheter in the urinary tract so urine can escape. 

• Eye problems

Eye disorders are quite common in ataxia (Ataxia). These disorders can be caused by disorders of the eye muscles (the muscles that help the eyes move up and down, back and forth) that make it difficult to see and read. This can sometimes be controlled by using medication to control the movement of the eye muscles.

Some people with ataxia (Ataxia) can see diplopia – that is, seeing one object as two.

• Erectile dysfunction

Due to potential nerve damage, some men may have difficulty getting an erection (erectile dysfunction). This disorder can be treated using a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, which help increase blood flow to the penis.

• Depression

Many people with neurological conditions such as ataxia (Ataxia) feel extremely tired and lethargic, and lose energy. This can also be partly explained by disturbed sleep as well as inferiority complexities about yourself and your medical condition. You can go to a psychiatrist for help.

Illness makes you tired, no energy

• Treat the underlying cause

In some cases, simply treating the underlying cause can help improve or prevent it from getting worse, for example:

• • Vitamin E-induced ataxia may improve after vitamin B12 supplementation.
  • Encephalitis disorders can be treated with encephalitis.

Ataxia is a disorder that brings many difficulties in patients' lives. Sometimes, it also suggests to you that you are experiencing dangerous causes such as encephalitis, stroke ... These information are for reference only, please see a doctor when you have abnormal signs. as above.

Doctor Nguyen Dao Uyen Trang