Ataxia

Ataxia is a neurological condition that affects coordination, balance, and speech. It can result from damage to the brain, spinal cord, or nerves and may be caused by a range of underlying conditions. At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we specialise in neurological rehabilitation, offering expert-led care to support individuals living with ataxia.

What Is Ataxia?

Ataxia refers to a lack of muscle control during voluntary movements, such as walking or picking up objects. It is not a condition itself but a symptom of various disorders affecting the nervous system.

Ataxia can be:

• Idiopathic, with no known cause.
• Acquired, due to stroke, trauma, infection, or vitamin deficiencies.
• Hereditary, passed down through genetic mutations.

Common Symptoms of Ataxia

Patients may experience:

• Balance issues and frequent falls
• Unsteady gait and difficulty walking
• Poor coordination or clumsiness
• Slurred speech (dysarthria)
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks (e.g., writing, buttoning)
• Tremors or involuntary eye movements (nystagmus)

Causes of Ataxia

Some underlying causes include:

• Stroke or brain injury
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Cerebellar atrophy or degeneration
• Tumours affecting the brain or spinal cord
• Chronic alcohol misuse
• Genetic disorders (e.g., Friedreich’s ataxia)
• Hereditary

Diagnosis at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

Our team of neurologists and rehabilitation specialists carry out a detailed assessment that may include:

• Neurological examination
• MRI or CT imaging
• Genetic testing (for hereditary forms)
• Blood tests to identify vitamin deficiencies or infections

Rehabilitation and Treatment Options

While there is no cure for many types of ataxia, our hospital provides a comprehensive rehabilitation approach to manage symptoms and improve quality of life:

• Physiotherapy: To improve strength, coordination, and mobility
• Occupational therapy: Supporting daily tasks and independence
• Speech and language therapy: Assisting with communication and swallowing
• Psychological support: Managing emotional wellbeing and coping strategies
• Nutritional advice: Especially in cases with vitamin deficiency-related ataxia

Every patient receives a tailored rehabilitation plan, delivered in a supportive, specialist environment.

Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Specialist neuro-rehabilitation centre
• Onsite diagnostics and therapy services
• Multidisciplinary care from consultant neurologists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, and more
• Individualised, patient-led care with no waiting lists

Our Resident Private GP

Dr Chamali is welcoming and highly experienced. He offers his patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on their future health.

Dr Basel Chamali

General Practitioner

Aaron Field