Ataxia is the name for the lack of muscle control that affects coordination, balance and speech. It can affect any part of the body, but most commonly symptoms in ataxia sufferers are difficulties with balance and walking, swallowing, speaking, vision, or tasks that require control such as writing.

It is caused by damage to a part of the brain called the cerebellum, that is responsible for muscle coordination or damage to other parts of the nervous system. The damage or degeneration can be part of another condition, such as cerebral palsy, MS or a head injury. In some cases, complications from infections such as the chickpox or other viral infections can cause ataxia.

Acquired ataxia is when symptoms develop as a result of trauma such as a stroke or a brain tumor -conditions that cause damage to the brain.

Hereditary ataxia will mean that symptoms develop slowly over may years and are caused by gene defects.

Idiopathis late-onset cerebellar ataxia is when the brain is damaged over time for unknown reasons.

There is no cure for ataxia, but your doctor will look for the underlying cause to see if this can be cured. In cases where the viral infection is treated, the ataxia can usually be resolved. Your doctor might recommend treatment to manage the symptoms such as pain, fatigue or dizziness.

Ataxia caused by conditions such as MS or cerebral palsy may not be treatable. In these cases, adaptive devices such as walking sticks or frames, communication devices or modified utensils for eating might improve your quality of life. You might benefit from occupational, speech or physical therapies to help you cope with day to day life.