What is Ataxia?

'Ataxia' means ‘absence of order’. People with ataxia have problems of co-ordination. This is because parts of the nervous system that normally control co-ordination and balance are affected. Ataxia is the principal symptom of a group of neurological disorders called the cerebellar ataxias. Most are progressive.

Ataxia may also be a symptom of other conditions such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.

There are many different types of cerebellar ataxia. Some are inherited. The most common is Friedreich’s ataxia. Friedreich's ataxia is the type which I have.