Friedreich Ataxia

Summary

Friedreich ataxia is an inherited disease that damages your nervous system. The damage affects your spinal cord and the nerves that control muscle movement in your arms and legs. Symptoms usually begin between the ages of 5 and 15. The main symptom is ataxia, which means trouble coordinating movements. Specific symptoms include:

• Difficulty walking
• Muscle weakness
• Speech problems
• Involuntary eye movements
• Scoliosis (curving of the spine to one side)
• Heart palpitations, from the heart disease which can happen along with Friedreich ataxia

People with Friedreich ataxia usually need a wheelchair 15 to 20 years after symptoms first appear. In severe cases, people become incapacitated. There is no cure. You can treat symptoms with medicines, braces, surgery, and physical therapy.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Related Issues

• Ataxias and Cerebellar or Spinocerebellar Degeneration National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Friedreich Ataxia National Institutes of Health

Diagnosis and Tests

• Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies National Library of Medicine
• Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA): Diagnosis Muscular Dystrophy Association
• Magnetic Resonance, Functional (fMRI) — Brain Radiological Society of North America

Start Here

• Friedreich Ataxia National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) Muscular Dystrophy Association

Patient Handouts

• Friedreich ataxia Medical Encyclopedia

Genetics

• Friedreich ataxia: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine

Find an Expert

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Journal Articles

• Friedreich Ataxia