What is ataxia?
Ataxia is a diagnosis in which the ability to control muscles is impaired, which is manifested by inflexible and arbitrary movements. Against the background of ataxia, the ability to move and balance may decrease, the patient may have difficulty swallowing, eye movement, and speech.
Ataxia is caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls muscle coordination and connection. The pathological process may be formed against the background of a number of conditions, for example, the cause is often excessive alcohol consumption, stroke, cancer, brain degeneration, multiple sclerosis, genetic disorders.
The course of treatment depends on the underlying cause. Physiotherapy, speech therapy, regular aerobic physical activity improve the patient's quality of life - orthopedic braces, crutches are effective.
Ataxia may develop over time or develop suddenly.
It is a sign of various neurological disorders and causes:
- Poor coordination;
- Unsteady walking;
- Bad balance;
- Speech change;
- Problems related to eating or writing;
- Nystagmus;
- Difficulty swallowing.
Consult a doctor if you notice the following symptoms:
- Loss of balance;
- Loss of muscle coordination in the limbs;
- You have difficulty walking;
- You swallow sounds while speaking;
- Difficulty swallowing.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ataxia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355652
