Ataxia is a neuromuscular motor disorder that is characterized by impaired coordination of movements, as well as loss of balance both at rest and when walking. Inconsistency of actions of various muscles can occur as a result of lesions of certain parts of the brain or vestibular apparatus, which is sometimes due to a genetic predisposition. The treatment of ataxia and the prognosis of its development depend on the cause of the disease, as the online publication for girls and women from 14 to 35 years old reports Pannochka. net Types of ataxia In clinical practice, the following types of ataxia are distinguished:.

Sensitive;

Vestibular;

Cortical or frontal;

Cerebellar.

With sensitive ataxia, fibers of deep sensitivity are disturbed, which carry information about the features of the surrounding space and the position of the body in it. The cause may be damage to the posterior columns of the spinal cord, thalamus, or spinal nerves, as well as polyneuropathy and vitamin B12 deficiency..

On examination, the following symptoms of sensitive ataxia are revealed:.

The dependence of coordination on visual control;

Violation of vibrational and articular muscle sensitivity;

Loss of balance with closed eyes in the Romberg position;

Loss or decrease of tendon reflexes;

Erratic gait.

A characteristic sign of sensory ataxia is the feeling of walking on a carpet or cotton. In order to compensate for motor disorders, patients constantly look at their feet, and also raise and bend their legs high in the knee and hip joints, and then forcefully lower the entire sole to the floor.

With vestibular ataxia, vestibular dysfunction leads to specific gait disorders, systemic dizziness, nausea and vomiting. All symptoms are aggravated by sharp turns of the head and changes in body position.. Hearing impairment and horizontal nystagmus are possible - involuntary eyeball movements. Stem encephalitis, ear diseases, brain ventricular tumors, and Meniere's syndrome can lead to this type of disease..

Cortical ataxia is caused by malfunctions of the frontal lobe of the brain as a result of dysfunction of the fronto-cerebellar system. The cause may be improper cerebral circulation, swelling, or abscesses..

Frontal ataxia appears on the side of the body opposite the affected hemisphere.. Instability, inclinations or blockages begin at bends, and with severe injuries, patients are generally not able to stand and walk. Disorders of smell, mental changes and a pronounced grasping reflex are also characteristic of this coordination disorder..

The features of cerebellar ataxia are loss of smoothness of speech, tremors of various types, muscle hypotension and oculomotor dysfunction. The gait also has characteristic signs: patients widely spread their legs and swing from side to side.. In the Romberg position, extreme instability is observed, often falling back. A strong violation of coordination of movements occurs during tandem walking, when the heel of one leg is pushed to the toe of the other. Cerebellar ataxia can be caused by a wide range of diseases - from vitamin deficiency and drug intoxication to a malignant tumor.

Hereditary degenerative changes in the cerebellum cause spinocerebellar ataxia, a chronic disease of a progressive nature, which can be dominant or recessive.

The autosomal dominant cerebellar form of the disease is often accompanied by the following symptoms:.

Tremor;

Hyperreflexia;

Amyotrophy;

Ophthalmoplegia;

Pelvic disorders.

The pathological sign of Pierre Marie's ataxia is cerebellar hypoplasia, less commonly, atrophy of the lower olives and the parsley bridge. The first gait disturbances begin, on average, at age 35. Subsequently added facial expressions and speech. Mental disorders are manifested in the form of depression, decreased intelligence.

Autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia is combined with the following symptoms:.

Areflexia;

Dysarthria;

Muscle hypertonicity;

Scoliosis;

Cardiomyopathy;

Diabetes mellitus.

Friedreich's family ataxia occurs due to damage to the spinal systems, most often as a result of a related marriage. The main pathological symptom is an increasing degeneration of the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord. At about 15 years of age, shakiness occurs when walking and frequent falls. Over time, skeletal changes cause a tendency to frequent dislocation of joints and kyphoscoliosis. The heart suffers - atrial teeth are deformed, the heart rhythm is broken. After any physical exertion, shortness of breath and paroxysmal pain in the heart begin.

Diagnosis and treatment of ataxia With cerebellar ataxia, the following studies are performed:.

EEG. Detects alpha rhythm reduction and diffuse delta and theta activity;

MRI. Conducted to detect atrophy of the trunks of the brain and spinal cord;

Electromyography. Shows axonal demyelinating damage to the fibers of the peripheral nerves;

Lab tests. Allow to observe the violation of amino acid metabolism;

DNA test. Establishes a genetic predisposition to ataxia.

Treatment of ataxia is aimed at eliminating the symptoms. It is carried out by a neurologist and includes:.

General strengthening therapy - anticholinesterase agents, cerebrolysin, ATP, B vitamins;

The complex of exercise therapy - strengthening muscles and reducing discoordination.

In the treatment of spinocerebellar ataxia, a course of immunoglobulin may be required to correct immunodeficiency, and any irradiation is contraindicated. Succinic acid, riboflavin, vitamin E and other drugs are sometimes prescribed to maintain mitochondrial function.

The prognosis of hereditary ataxia is unfavorable. Disability, as a rule, decreases, and mental disorders progress.

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