This can affect walking, hand balance and coordination, speech, swallowing and eye movements. Ataxia can appear temporarily or permanently, and the severity and treatment methods in Shiraz are different depending on the underlying cause. Ataxia causes many challenges for both the individual and his family. Fortunately, in Shiraz, due to the existence of specialized centers for neurology and advanced rehabilitation, it is possible to diagnose and treat this disease with modern methods.

Ataxia usually occurs as a result of damage to a part of the brain called the cerebellum or its connections. The cerebellum is responsible for muscle coordination. Many diseases can cause ataxia, such as genetic problems, stroke, tumors, MS, stroke, degenerative diseases, and alcohol abuse.

Symptoms of Ataxia

Symptoms of ataxia vary based on the cause. If the cause is an underlying disease or diseases such as stroke, tumor, alcoholism, or nerve damage, the following symptoms are observed:

• Poor coordination
• Balance problems and walking disorder
• Inability to coordinate hands, arms, and legs
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty writing and eating
• Slow eye movements

Symptoms Genetic ataxia or diffuse ataxia may include:

• Poor coordination and balance
• Slurred speech (dysarthria)
• Small, red spider veins on the skin and eyes
• Lung infection
• Delayed physical and sexual development
• Difficulty swallowing food or water (dysphagia)
• Tremors and movements Involuntary
• Heart problems
• Difficulty walking

Other symptoms of ataxia include:

• Muscle weakness and early fatigue
• Difficulty with fine movements: such as writing or buttoning clothes
• Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
• Reduced overall body coordination in tasks Everyday

causes of ataxia

Genetic or hereditary ataxia

Some types of ataxia are inherited, such as Friedreich's ataxia or spinocerebellar ataxia.

This type of ataxia occurs when parents (one or both) pass the genetic defect to their child. In some cases, the severity of the disease can worsen from generation to generation, and the age of onset can decrease.

If a person with the hereditary form of ataxia is trying to have children, a doctor recommends genetic testing and counseling. The chance of inheriting the defective gene depends in part on the type of ataxia. In the case of Friedreich's ataxia, both parents must have genetic characteristics to pass it on.

In the case of spinal ataxia, only one parent needs to have the defective gene, and each of their children has a 50% chance of developing the disease.

Sometimes a person is born with ataxia for no particular reason, even if there is no history of the disease in the family. One of the reasons for this is probably malformation of the cerebellum before birth.

Nongenetic (acquired)

The following events and diseases can lead to ataxia:

• Brain surgery, brain tumor or head injury
• Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
• Some infections such as smallpox Poultry
• Poisoning and exposure to toxic chemicals, chemotherapy or heavy metals
• Some neurological diseases such as MS, cerebral palsy and stroke
• Some tumors due to paraneoplastic syndrome that cause ataxia. These tumors produce chemicals that will disrupt the function of the cerebellum, and ataxia is its main symptom. Vitamin deficiency (especially vitamin E and B12). src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjM5MCIgdmlld0JveD0iM CAwIDEwMjQgMzkwIj48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iMTAwJSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMDAlIiBzdHlsZT0iZmlsbDojZjdmN2Y3O2ZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eTogMC4xOyIvPjwvc3ZnPg=">

  Diagnosis of ataxia in Shiraz requires careful examination by an expert. Doctors in Shiraz can determine the exact cause of the disease by using advanced equipment. The diagnostic methods are:

  • Clinical and neurological examination: the doctor can diagnose the type of disorder by examining the movements of the hands, legs, walking, eye movements and speech of the patient.
  • Brain imaging: MRI of the brain to examine the structure of the cerebellum and find lesions caused by tumors, strokes or MS. CT scan: to check brain damage or bleeding more quickly. Blood test: to check vitamin deficiency (such as vitamin E or B12) and to detect infections or metabolic diseases. Genetic test: in cases where the doctor suspects hereditary ataxia. href="https://doctoreshghi.com/%D8%AA%D8%B3%D8%AA-%D9%86%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D8%B5%D8%A8-%D9%88-%D8%B9%D8%B6%D9%84%D9%87/">Nerve and muscle tape test (EMG) and Nerve conduction examination: to check the function of peripheral nerves and muscles.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test: if infection or autoimmune diseases are suspected.

  Treatment of ataxia in Shiraz

  In general, the treatment of ataxia in Shiraz is different depending on its type. Sometimes it is possible to treat the root cause of this disease so that it improves and does not worsen, but in most cases this is not possible.

  👈 The treatment plan is usually provided by a group of specialists and a multidisciplinary team will include a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, a neurologist and a physiotherapist.

  The performance and care plan of the patient will play an important role in the management of the disease. The syntax will be fulfilled.

  Treatment of ataxia symptoms in Shiraz includes speech therapy. Unintelligible speech (dysarthria) and swallowing problems (dysphagia) are common symptoms of ataxia.

  The therapist can help the patient on how to make the voice clearer. For example, the doctor may suggest:

  • Changing the position of the body to improve the quality of the voice
  • Doing exercises to strengthen the muscles needed while speaking
  • Speaking slowly and emphasizing each word using breathing techniques to improve speech

  If the speech worsens, possibly use assistive devices such as a laptop connected to the sound. To treat dysphagia, the therapist can teach exercises to stimulate the nerves responsible for stimulating the swallowing reflex. The swallowing muscles will also be strengthened.

  Drug treatment

  

  If ataxia is caused by a vitamin deficiency, taking supplements can help. In cases of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs are prescribed.

  In ataxias caused by infections, antiviral or antibiotic treatment is necessary. Medicines are prescribed to control symptoms such as tremors and muscle spasms.

  Occupational therapy

  The goal of occupational therapy is to learn how to adapt to the gradual loss of mobility and learn new skills to use in daily activities.

  The occupational therapist may be able to teach how to use a wheelchair and mobility devices. It will also help in making changes at home, such as guide rails or stair lifts.

  Treatment of muscle problems

  If you have spasms, cramps and muscle stiffness, muscle relaxants such as baclofen or tizanidine may be used to control the symptoms.

  If these drugs do not work, botox will be injected. In this case, by blocking brain signals, the injured muscles will be helped. The effects of the injection usually last up to 3 months.

  Treatment of Bladder Problems

  Bladder problems such as urinary urgency or urinary incontinence sometimes affect a person with ataxia.

  In some cases, bladder problems can be treated with care techniques such as limiting fluid intake during the day, scheduling regular visits to the toilet, and avoiding drinks that stimulate urine production. They will be controlled like caffeine and alcohol.

  Some people may need a medication called an antimuscarinic, which helps relax the bladder and reduce the urge to urinate.

  Botox injections will also help the bladder. Others may have difficulty emptying their bladder completely when going to the toilet, which will result in a small amount of urine leakage. In such cases, a catheter tube may be used to place in the bladder to help drain urine.

  Treatment of nerve pain

  Injury to nerve endings can lead to nerve pain, the medical term for which is neuropathic pain. Often this pain is experienced with burning, pain or sometimes tingling in certain parts of the body.

  Traditional pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are usually not effective in treating nerve pain. Therefore, other drugs such as amitriptyline, gabapentin or pregabalin will be prescribed.

  Musculoskeletal Pain Treatment in Shiraz Read more

  Physiotherapy, physical medicine and Ataxia rehabilitation

  

  One of the most important and effective methods of controlling and treating ataxia in Shiraz is to refer to a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation and physiotherapy.

  Rehabilitation helps a person to use his arms and legs and prevent muscle weakness in one position. (contractions) be prevented.

  

  Many people with neurological diseases such as ataxia feel very tired and lethargic. This is likely due to disturbed sleep and physical efforts to cope with the loss of coordination.

  Rehabilitation specialists may be able to help the individual increase their endurance levels. Also, the occupational therapy specialist provides guidance to the patient on how to adapt daily activities to better deal with fatigue. Shiraz

  Cardiomyopathy

  Cardiomyopathy (damage to the heart muscle) is a common problem in some types of ataxia. This is a serious problem because it puts pressure on the heart and affects the normal flow of blood in the heart. It will also lead to irregular heartbeat. If you have cardiomyopathy, seek help from a cardiologist in Shiraz.

  Dealing with depression caused by ataxia

  An important part of the process of controlling and treating ataxia in Shiraz is dealing with the depression of this disease. Living with a long-term condition like ataxia can be stressful and often causes feelings of extreme anxiety. This will be the beginning of depression.

  Symptoms of depression include feeling hopeless and not enjoying the things you used to enjoy. If you think you are depressed, see a psychiatrist for advice. Various treatments for depression may be prescribed, such as antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapies.

  Treatment of the underlying cause

  In a few cases of ataxia, it may be possible to improve the condition or prevent it from worsening by treating the underlying cause. For example, ataxia is usually associated with vitamin E deficiency, so it is better to take supplements containing this vitamin.

  Episodic ataxia can be controlled with a drug called acetazolamide and by avoiding stimuli such as stress, alcohol, and caffeine. Sometimes acquired ataxia is treatable depending on the cause, for example, if it is due to an infection, antibiotics or antiviral drugs help. If acquired ataxia is caused by serious brain injuries such as injuries from a stroke or severe head injury, it may not be possible to improve the condition. In this case, the mentioned treatment can be used to control the symptoms.

  Answers to frequently asked questions

  What are the first signs of ataxia?

  The first signs usually include unsteadiness in walking, hand tremors, slurred speech, and abnormal eye movements. In mild cases, the patient may only feel that he stumbles a little while walking.

  Does ataxia have a definitive treatment?

  Currently, hereditary ataxias do not have a definitive treatment, but the patient's quality of life can be improved with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. In acquired ataxias, the probability of treatment is higher.

  Does ataxia cause permanent disability?

  In the hereditary type, it is usually progressive, but in some acquired cases, partial recovery is possible with treatment and rehabilitation.

  Is ataxia preventable?

  Inherited type cannot be prevented, but in the acquired type, with healthy nutrition, avoiding alcohol and disease control, the risk can be reduced.

  Can ataxia patients live a normal life?

  Yes, many patients can live a relatively normal life by using rehabilitation, speech therapy, occupational therapy and assistive devices. Family support and psychological care also play an important role in the quality of life of these patients.

  Final speech and summary

  Ataxia, which is associated with loss of coordination, is usually seen in MS, stroke, alcohol use disorder, etc. It is also the name given to a group of diseases that destroy the central nervous system.

  People with ataxia may show loss of balance, slurred speech, staggering, and unusual eye movements. The doctor will diagnose this problem and refer to a neurologist for further investigations. When the underlying disease is identified, its treatment will resolve the ataxia.

  To diagnose, control and receive ataxia treatment methods in Shiraz, you can contact Dr. Zohra Eshghi's clinic to receive an in-person appointment.

  

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