Symptoms Of Friedreich's Ataxia

Friedreich's ataxia is a disease characterized by control loss of the movements of the body. It results in the progressive degeneration of the nerves and muscles. It is an inherited disease derived from a mutation or defect in the FXN gene, and one copy of it has to come from both parents for an individual to develop the disease. Friedreich's ataxia is known to start in the lower regions of the body and works its way up to the arms and hands, then to the main torso of the body. The thinning and damage done to the nerves often results in a severe loss of coordination as the disease progresses to different regions throughout the body. Usually, an individual who has Friedreich's ataxia will begin to see symptoms manifest between five and fifteen years old, but some cases have started later. Get to know the symptoms of Friedreich's ataxia now.

Poor Coordination

Poor coordination is usually the first sign to appear in individuals with Friedreich's ataxia. The action of walking will become difficult due to inadequate balance. It often appears the individual is walking like they are very dizzy or intoxicated. Sensation loss also begins to develop in the lower region of the body including the legs, which contributes to the poor balance and trouble with walking properly. In addition, poor coordination is further contributed to by a decreased functionality of reflexes in the legs and feet. The degeneration and thinning of the nerve fibers that lead to the spinal cord cause the nerve messages to be disrupted to the part of the brain responsible for voluntary movement coordination of the limbs. Additionally, the severe fatigue of the areas in which the nerves are disintegrating provides another element that makes it difficult to maintain proper balance and coordination of those regions. Poor coordination is often accompanied by scoliosis, or abnormal curving of the spine, which exacerbates the issues with voluntary movements.

Continue reading for more information on the symptoms of Friedreich's ataxia now.