Friedreich Ataxia: Symptoms and Treatment

What it is

Friedreich ataxia is an inherited disease that damages the nervous system — the spinal cord and the nerves that control muscle movement in the arms and legs.

• When it starts: symptoms usually begin between ages 5 and 15.
• The main symptom: ataxia — trouble coordinating movements.

Symptoms

• difficulty walking;
• muscle weakness;
• speech problems;
• involuntary eye movements;
• scoliosis — the spine curving to one side;
• heart palpitations, from the heart disease that can come with it.

How it progresses

People with Friedreich ataxia usually need a wheelchair 15 to 20 years after symptoms first appear. In severe cases, people become incapacitated.

Treatment

There is no cure. Symptoms can be treated with:

• medicines;
• braces;
• surgery;
• physical therapy.

Sources

Based on the MedlinePlus health topic "Friedreich Ataxia," National Library of Medicine, drawing on the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; a work of the United States government in the public domain.