Does ataxia cause death?

Does ataxia cause death?

Ataxia affects people of all ages. Age of symptom-onset can vary widely, from childhood to late-adulthood. Complications from the disease are serious and oftentimes debilitating. Some types of Ataxia can lead to an early death.

How does ataxia affect the body?

Ataxia describes a lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements, such as walking or picking up objects. A sign of an underlying condition, ataxia can affect various movements and create difficulties with speech, eye movement and swallowing.

Is ataxia a chronic disease?

Overview of the progressive ataxias The types of ataxia discussed here are chronic conditions that progress slowly and often result in people losing their ability to walk. Another common symptom is slurring of speech. Depending on the type of ataxia and its severity, many other symptoms can occur (box 1).

Is ataxia a disability?

Ataxia can be disabling, and if you are unable to work and earn a living because of the severity of the condition, you may qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Can you drive with ataxia?

Most people with a cerebellar ataxia are able to safely drive. It may be necessary to undergo an on road occupational therapy driving assessment – most cerebellar patients are found to be safe to drive.

How fast does ataxia progress?

The age of onset and the rate of ataxia progression are perhaps the two most useful clinical features pointing to the cause. Rapid progression (within weeks to months) is characteristic of paraneoplastic spinocerebellar degeneration and sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Can you drive if you have ataxia?

Most people with a cerebellar ataxia are able to safely drive.

How serious is ataxia?

Life expectancy is generally shorter than normal for people with hereditary ataxia, although some people can live well into their 50s, 60s or beyond. In more severe cases, the condition can be fatal in childhood or early adulthood. For acquired ataxia, the outlook depends on the underlying cause.

What is the life expectancy of someone with ataxia?

Life expectancy is generally shorter than normal for people with hereditary ataxia, although some people can live well into their 50s, 60s or beyond. In more severe cases, the condition can be fatal in childhood or early adulthood.

Is sensory ataxia curable?

There is no cure for ataxia. The outlook will depend on the type, cause, and severity. Some types of hereditary ataxia can shorten a person’s lifespan, but many people will have the same life expectancy as those without the condition.