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Ataxia Clinic in Kolkata

Ataxia Clinic

Ataxia Clinic in Kolkata

Ataxia is a neurological disorder characterised by a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements. This can affect various functions, including speech, balance, and fine motor skills involving the arms and legs. Common symptoms of ataxia include difficulties with balance and coordination, walking, swallowing, writing, eating, and vision. There are several types of ataxia, each with its own underlying cause. While ataxia itself is not curable, management strategies aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. In addition to medical interventions, psychosocial support from family, friends, and support groups can play a crucial role in managing the emotional and social aspects of living with ataxia. Manipal Hospital, Broadway, has a dedicated Ataxia clinic offering comprehensive care to patients affected by the neurological disorder.

Consult our Ataxia Clinic in Kolkata if you need treatment and care for ataxia disorder.

Discover specialized care for Ataxia at Manipal Hospitals, Kolkata. Expert treatment for improved mobility and quality of life. Book your consultation today.

FAQ's

Damage to the cerebellum or its connections in the brain results in ataxia. The brainstem and cerebellum are connected at the base of the brain. The cerebellum aids in regulating speech, swallowing, eye movements, and balance.

Ataxia causes fall into two main categories: acquired and hereditary.

Acquired causes for ataxia may include Smoking, consumption of alcohol, vitamin deficiency, metal toxicity, thyroid, autoimmune diseases, stroke and trauma to the head.

Hereditary causes for ataxia may include: Ataxia can be inherited through hereditary factors or genetic mutations. These disorders disrupt nerve cell function, mainly in the spinal cord and cerebellum, leading to degeneration. The condition can be autosomal dominant, where a dominant gene is passed down from one parent, or recessive, where a recessive gene is passed down from both parents. Siblings may be affected by a recessive condition, while parents are not.
 

The symptoms of Ataxia may appear gradually or unexpectedly. Among these the symptoms could be:

  • Difficulty walking

  • Poor coordination between limbs

  • Difficulty with fine motor activities, such as writing, eating, or buttoning clothes

  • Alterations in speech

  • Involuntary eye movements

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Sadness brought on by the difficulties of having the illness

Your doctor will examine you physically to determine the cause of your ataxia. Your hearing, eyesight, reflexes, memory, balance, and coordination will all be examined.
A neurological examination is also required, which may involve an MRI or CT scan. These check for issues with your brain's architecture.

n certain circumstances, your physician could advise spinal fluid testing. They will do this by inserting a needle into your lower back to extract fluid, which will then be sent to a lab for analysis. Genetic tests can be necessary to rule out genetic forms of ataxia. However, testing to identify different hereditary types of ataxia does not exist. 
 

Ataxia is a condition characterised by difficulty moving the eyes, often due to a lack of certain vitamins or minerals. Many factors define the origin of ataxia, and each patient's unique situation will determine the most effective course of treatment. Medical specialists can offer guidance on possible interventions, such as maintaining independence with wheelchairs, crutches, walking sticks, or walkers. Physical or occupational therapy may be recommended to help regain strength and mobility. An orthopaedic physician may recommend treatment for spinal curvature.

Depression treatment may involve medication and counselling. Speech therapists can help improve swallowing, coughing, and choking, as well as communication challenges. Those with deficiencies may benefit from vitamin supplements, a gluten-free diet, immune system strengthening, or medication.
 

While many people with hereditary ataxia will live as long as those without the ailment, other forms of the disorder can limit a person's lifespan.

If ataxia results from a disease, surgery, or accident, it may eventually stabilise or become better, but it may also deteriorate. When acquired ataxia is treated promptly, it can often lead to positive outcomes and even the possibility of disease reversal. 
 

Complications associated with ataxia include injury, pressure sores, infection, and blood clots. Dementia, behavioural issues, and depression can influence care. Complications may also include dizziness, spasms, rigidity, tremors, pain, fatigue, low blood pressure, bowel or bladder dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction. Improving the quality of life is crucial. In the worst situation, the patient might suffer breathing difficulties, choking, or untreatable rigidity, all of which could be fatal. A feeding tube, tracheostomy, or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device may be necessary to manage some of the most severe symptoms.
 

A person with ataxia has a limited lifespan due to the condition's underlying aetiology. Most ataxia causes, particularly those that are treatable, reversible, or transient, have little bearing on your life expectancy.

On the other hand, some ataxia causes might significantly affect your life. Some may reduce the time you have left to live, prevent you from engaging in or enjoying particular activities, or make it more difficult for you to live independently. The greatest individual to advise you on the potential impact of ataxia on your life expectancy and style of living is your healthcare professional. 
 

 Every individual may have distinct symptoms. If you have any of the following symptoms, get in touch with your doctor:

  • Issues with coordination and balance

  • Inability to coordinate hands, arms, or legs

  • Speech problem

  • Wide-based gait (walking style)

  • Having trouble writing and eating

  • Slow eye motions

  • Ataxia symptoms can mimic those of other illnesses or medical issues. To get a diagnosis, always visit your healthcare provider.

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