Ataxia

Ataxia impairs fine motor control impacting your ability to walk, speak clearly, swallow, or write and read. 

A great advantage of an academic medical center is our access to state-of-the-art tools that greatly improve quality of life.

Ataxia symptoms

• Balance and coordination — difficulty walking in a straight line
• Slurred or unclear speech
• Difficulty swallowing
• Jerky, involuntary eye movements
• Difficulty with tasks like writing, eating or buttoning a shirt
• Tremors or shaking
• Fatigue
• Blurred or jumpy vision

When to seek care for ataxia

If your ataxia condition is hereditary, it usually starts in childhood. You may experience adult onset of ataxia from other causes, like stroke, multiple sclerosis, substance misuse or tumors. In any case, see your doctor. 

If you don’t have a neurologist, your primary care physician can refer you to one. At our UCI Health rare neurological disorders clinic, our doctors have special fellowship training in movement disorders like ataxia.

Types of ataxia conditions

Cerebellar ataxia is caused by damage to the cerebellum, the part of your brain that controls movement and coordination.

Sensory ataxia impacts your body’s sense of location and positioning in space.

Vestibular ataxia is an inner ear problem that affects your balance.

Ataxia diagnosis at UCI Health

Ataxia can be challenging to diagnose. But our neurologists are experts who understand the disease and can provide an accurate diagnosis through:

• Medical and family history 
• Skin biopsy
• Neurological evaluation and additional studies
• Advanced genetic testing through our neurogenetics program and through our involvement with the Undiagnosed Disease Network

At UCI Health, we have a unique movement neurophysiology lab, which helps differentiate between similar movement disorders during diagnosis. 

Because neurology is so complex, we recommend you always seek a consultation with a neurologist for neurological disorders. 

Our clinics

We have two clinics. Our ataxia clinic meets every Wednesday except the first Wednesday of the month. The first Wednesday is dedicated to our rare neurological disorders clinic. If you qualify, we offer multidisciplinary services there for the most complex cases of ataxia and other movement disorders.

At the rare neurological disorders clinic, you can work on the same day with these and other specialists:

• neurogenetics 
• cognitive neurology 
• rehab (including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy services)

How to work with us

Ataxia is often mischaracterized as a balance disorder, but accurate diagnosis requires a physician's referral to access both clinics.

We work under the umbrella of the UCI Health Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Program.

Ataxia treatment at UCI Health

For most of our ataxia patients, we cannot achieve a full resolution of symptoms. We can slow the progression of your condition, prolong life expectancy, provide optimal comfort and help you maintain a sense of safety outside the hospital setting.

Ataxia is a group of disorders that do not have FDA-approved medications for treatment at this point. To treat ataxia we repurpose medications that have been used for similar conditions and do no harm. Our goal is to improve your balance, quality of life and safety.

Why choose UCI Health for ataxia care?

You’re unique and we don't treat you like just a diagnosis

We won't necessarily remain within the boxes of how other institutions define care. We seek innovative and creative solutions whenever possible. 

Our philosophy is to care about you as our patient, and keep you at the center of our discussions. We recognize how much our work impacts your life.

Our neurologists are hyper-specialized within many subspecialties

The amount of knowledge that gets discovered in neuroscience doubles every 70 days, so specialization is an advantage. Our doctors cultivate specific interests which make them exceptionally well versed in their area. We want you to have access to the best experts available. 

Our doctors meet regularly to discuss challenges

We’re a unit and don’t operate as isolated islands. Our neuroscientists neurosurgeons pediatricians and neurologists all attend these meetings. We give and get input on our most difficult cases to improve your care.