How to Treat Ataxia

Ataxia is a group of specified symptoms clustered together under the medical classification of "ataxia." There are three groupings differentiated by cause. One is genetic, usually appearing when the patient is young. The second shows up later in life, usually when the patient is in his 30's to 40's. This type has no known cause. The third is brought on by head trauma, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis and other causes.

Instructions

• 1

  Try physical therapy and exercise to treat muscle spasms and help with trouble walking. Physical therapy helps the patient learn to compensate for instability and lack of muscle coordination. If possible, eliminate bed rest, as immobility seems to worsen gait problems. Use wheel chairs or walkers as they can help to avoid injuries caused by falling down.

• 2

  Take the medication prescribed by your doctor to reduce muscle tremors or spasms. Often physical therapy and exercise aren't effective in treating these Parkinson-like symptoms and there are medications which can help considerably. Botulism toxins are also used, but only in the more severe cases because of the side effects such as difficulty swallowing or speech problems. These can be treated with medication and speech therapy.

• 3

  Try prism glasses for vision problems. For help with balance and inability to focus, these glasses increase peripheral vision and enlarge objects in the field of vision. Sometimes surgery is performed, but this is merely a temporary treatment because the muscles in the eye will continue to degenerate. There are medications available for vision treatment and these are less invasive than surgery.

• 4

  Consider antiarrhythmic medications or diuretic drugs for heart palpitations or cardiac problems. In extreme cases a heart transplant may be necessary. There are also medications to deal with urinary dysfunctions, cramps and sleep disturbances. Doctors must watch for respiratory failure, since the disease may affect the function of the lungs.

• 5

  Submit to a spinal tap if your doctor believes it's necessary. Often the study of your spinal fluid may point to specific illness causing ataxia. If it's caused by a common problem such as stroke, the possibility for recovery is high. If the cause is less common or unknown, recovery is less likely. There are many ongoing studies attempting to regenerate brain tissues, involving stem cell research.