Ataxia comes from the Greek word “a taxis” meaning “without order or incoordination.” This applies to the effects of the disease. Ataxia is the lack of muscle control. It is also the lack of muscle coordination. If you are diagnosed with this disease, you most likely have difficulties with your speech and the ability to hold a conversation. Eye movement and swallowing are two difficulties in which come along with the disease. More severe cases may also have difficulties walking.
Statistics:
About 150,000 are affected by Ataxia each year. Below I will explain the different diagnosis of this disease. Some types of Ataxia are more rare than others.
Precursors:
Unfortunately, Ataxia is a disease that you develop from another disease …show more content…
They also do a lot of blood work.
Causes:
A cerebellum is comprised of two ping-pong ball sized portions of folded tissue situated at the base of your brain. The ball on the right controls the coordination on the right side of the body and vice versa for the left. So when one or both of these little balls are damaged, your body is affected. So, if you are questioning if only one side of your body can have Ataxia symptoms, the answer is YES.
Here are a few ways that a person may end up damaging their cerebellum (also listed under the precursors sections):
Brain tumor- A brain tumor affects your brain a tremendous way, so it almost always causes damage to the cerebellum.
Stroke- Brain cells die during a stroke because of the lack of blood flowing to the brain. This ends up damaging the cerebellum. You may notice that older folks that go through a stroke, if severe, have trouble walking and talking again. Through therapy, there is chance of recovery.
Head trauma- This would be damage to your brain. Such could happen if you were to get into a car accident and there was a sudden hit to your