Warning Signs Of Niemann-Pick Disease

Difficulties Walking

Niemann-Pick disease patients may experience difficulties walking. This is because of ataxia, a neurological condition that causes a lack of control when moving the voluntary muscles. Patients may also have trouble walking because of the loss of muscle tone. There may be symptoms of muscle spasticity, in which the muscles become stiff and make moving awkward. Ataxia is a nervous system condition that occurs when the nerves degenerate. In Niemann-Pick disease patients, this occurs because of brain damage to the cerebellum, which helps coordinate movement. It's important to identify and treat ataxia because it can have life-threatening, debilitating complications. Ataxia commonly involves a lack of coordination, deterioration of fine motor skills, and gait abnormalities. Ataxia patients often need scooters, walkers, or wheelchairs to help with their mobility.

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