Many of us don’t think about balance until something feels off. Walking across a room, picking up a cup or speaking clearly usually happens automatically. When these simple actions become difficult, it can feel confusing and frightening.
Ataxia is a condition that affects balance, coordination and muscle control. It can make movements appear shaky, unsteady or poorly coordinated. If you or someone you know has trouble with balance, coordination or steady movement, ataxia may be the reason.
Ataxia is a condition that affects how your body moves. It makes it hard to control balance, coordinate your muscles and move smoothly. Ataxia isn't a single disease. It is a group of conditions that affect different parts of your nervous system, including the brain, nerves and spinal cord.
Your brain and nerves work together to control your movements. When parts of this system don't work properly, your movements can become shaky, unsteady or slow. It may affect your:
The condition can develop slowly over time or suddenly, depending on its cause.
Ataxia and apraxia may seem similar but they are different conditions. Both affect movement but in different ways.
While ataxia affects how smoothly and steadily you move, apraxia affects how your brain plans and organizes movement. Your muscles and balance may be normal but your brain has trouble sending the right instructions.
With apraxia, you might know what you want to do but have a hard time doing it. You may move awkwardly, even if your strength and coordination seem normal.
Ataxia has different causes. Some are genetic, some are acquired (e.g., brain injury, stroke, tumor, autoimmune conditions), some are due to neurodegenerative illness (e.g., multiple system atrophy) and some are caused by medications, vitamin deficiencies or poisoning (e.g., mercury, long term excessive alcohol consumption).
Ataxia may develop for many different reasons. In general, doctors group causes into three main categories: acquired ataxia, hereditary ataxia and adult-onset or unexplained ataxia.
Acquired ataxia happens when something damages your brain or nervous system after you are born. Symptoms may appear suddenly or gradually. Sometimes, treating the cause can help improve your movement.
Possible causes include:
Hereditary ataxia runs in families. You inherit a gene that affects how your nervous system develops or works. Symptoms often start in childhood, the teen years or early adulthood but some forms appear later in life.
Common examples include:
Sometimes, ataxia occurs without a clear cause. When it starts in adulthood and slowly worsens with no known cause, this should prompt genetic testing. Only about 40% of cases will have a cause identified, the three most common are:
Ataxia symptoms can look different from person to person. Some may be mild at first and get worse over time. Others can appear without warning.
Common signs of ataxia include:
You may notice that everyday tasks require more effort. Buttoning a shirt, writing or using utensils may be more difficult. If these symptoms affect your daily life, see a health care provider.
There are three main conditions that can be mistaken for one another: cerebellar ataxia, sensory ataxia (pseudo, or false ataxia) and vestibulopathy.
Your cerebellum is a part of your brain that helps you keep your balance and coordination. If it gets damaged, it can cause a condition called cerebellar ataxia.
You might notice:
Sensory ataxia (also known as pseudoataxia because it resembles cerebellar ataxia) happens when nerves in your spinal cord or peripheral nervous system are damaged.
You might notice:
Vestibulopathy is not a true ataxia but can resemble it. It happens when your inner ear and ear canals, which have fluid inside, get damaged. These parts help you sense your head movements and help with balance and spatial orientation.
You might notice:
Diagnosing ataxia usually begins with a detailed medical history and a complete neurological exam. Your health care provider will ask about your health history, family history and symptoms. They will also perform a physical exam but may need to refer you to a neurologist or movement disorder specialist for the neurological exam.
Tests to decide the cause of ataxia and related symptoms may include:
Getting a clear diagnosis may take time but understanding the cause helps guide the best care plan.
There is no single cure for ataxia. The treatment plan will depend on the type and cause of ataxia. Some types can be reversed with treatment, while for others the goal is to manage symptoms and help with daily activities.
For example, vitamin deficiencies can cause ataxia but taking the right supplements might fix it. Infections and autoimmune causes are often treatable. If the ataxia is caused by a neurodegenerative or genetic illness, your provider can help you manage the symptoms. This might include medicines and different types of therapies.
Some genetic forms of ataxia (e.g., Freidreich’s ataxia) now have FDA approved treatments. For several others, including spinocerebellar ataxias, clinical trials are underway evaluating promising treatments.
While no medication cures ataxia, some medicines help manage accompanying symptoms such as erratic blood pressure, muscle stiffness or seizures.
Physical therapy can help you:
Occupational therapy focuses on daily activities. You may learn new ways to:
If ataxia affects your speech or swallowing, speech therapy can help. A speech therapist can work with you to:
Support makes a difference for those living with ataxia. Building a care team, staying active and making small adjustments at home can help you stay safe and engaged.
Because genetic ataxias can be passed along to your children, a positive genetic test should prompt family planning conversations with a qualified neurologist and/or genetic counselor.
Living with ataxia can be hard. It affects you physically and emotionally. For some people, it may lead to depression or anxiety. Talking to a licensed therapist or joining a support group for ataxia can help you feel supported and encouraged.
You should see a health care provider if you notice:
If symptoms appear suddenly, seek medical care right away. Sudden ataxia can be a medical emergency.
Ataxia is not a single disease. It is a group of conditions that affect coordination and balance.
Treatment depends on the cause. Some types improve when the underlying problem is treated, while others focus on managing symptoms.
Some forms of ataxia are inherited. Genetic testing may be recommended if doctors suspect a hereditary condition.
Some types worsen over time, especially hereditary or neurodegenerative forms. Others may remain stable or improve if the cause is treated.
If you or a loved one is experiencing ataxia symptoms, Banner Health can help. Our experts are ready to guide you through diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care.
You deserve answers, support, and compassionate care. Make an appointment today and take the next step toward better balance and quality of life.
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