Friedreich’s Ataxia Summary Friedreich’s 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’s ataxia People with Friedreich’s 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 Preparing for a Visit with the Neurologist National Ataxia Foundation Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Ataxia National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Friedreich Ataxia National Institutes of Health Diagnosis and Tests Electromyography (EMG) Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Magnetic Resonance, Functional (fMRI) — Brain Array Find an Expert Find a Neurologist American Academy of Neurology National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Start Here Frequently Asked Questions about Friedreich’s Ataxia (FRDA) National Ataxia Foundation Friedreich’s Ataxia National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Friedreich’s Ataxia National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) Muscular Dystrophy Association Array Friedreich’s ataxia Genetics Genetics Home Reference: Friedreich ataxia National Library of Medicine Journal Articles Friedreich’s Ataxia
