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.

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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)

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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

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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

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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.

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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