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Definition

Friedreich’s ataxia is a very rare inherited disease that causes progressive damage to the nervous system. Ataxia refers to coordination problems and unsteadiness. Friedreich’s ataxia causes degeneration of neurons in the spinal cord that control movement, as well as the sensory nerves that assist coordination. In later stages, additional cell injury can develop in the heart and pancreas.

The Nervous System

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Causes

The cause of Friedreich’s ataxia is a mutation in the frataxin gene, which is located on chromosome 9q13. To develop this disease, a person must inherit a copy of the defective gene from each parent. However, most cases are sporadic, without family history of the disorder.

Risk Factors

There are no environmental risk factors. The disease is inherited.

Symptoms

Symptoms may vary. The following list describes the most common symptoms:

Early Symptoms

  • Age of onset: under the age of 25, usually in the early teenage years
  • Progressive leg weakness (eg, difficulty walking)
  • Ataxia—incoordination and imbalance affecting limbs and gait
  • Impaired sensation—especially "position sense" in the feet
  • Loss of tendon reflexes in the legs
  • Heart failure]]> and ]]>diabetes]]> develop as the disease progresses

Late Symptoms

  • Difficulty speaking and swallowing—decreased coordination of the tongue
  • Loss of tendon reflexes in all limbs
  • Atrophy of muscles
  • ]]>Scoliosis]]> —curving of spine (affects 85% of people with this condition)
  • Foot deformities
  • Foot ulcers
  • Confined to a wheelchair (by age 45, occurs in 95% of those affected)
  • ]]>Hearing loss]]> and or vision loss (over 10% of those affected)
  • Eye movement abnormalities
  • Movement disorders (eg, tremor, dystonia, chorea)
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Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, including medical history, family history, and medications. Your doctor will also perform a physical exam. If this disorder is suspected, you may also see a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in the nervous system.

Tests may include:

  • EMG]]> and ]]>nerve conduction studies]]> —a test to assess the function of the muscles and nerves
  • ]]>Computerized tomography]]> —a test that uses a computer to make cross-sectional images of the head
  • ]]>MRI scan]]> —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the brain and spinal cord
  • ]]>Electrocardiogram]]> and ]]>24-hour holter monitoring]]> —a test that assesses the electrical activity of the heart
  • ]]>Echocardiogram]]> —a test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the size, shape, and motion of the heart
  • Genetic testing for the frataxin gene
  • Blood (diabetic testing) and urine tests
  • Sural nerve ]]>biopsy]]>

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Treatment

There is no known cure for this condition.

Long-term management is aimed at maximizing function and controlling symptoms:

  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation to cope with muscle weakness
  • Use of orthotics (devices that go in your shoes) to provide stability and to help with weakness
  • Surgery for correcting foot abnormalities and scoliosis]]>
  • Periodic testing for associated conditions of ]]>diabetes]]> and ]]>cardiomyopathy]]>

As the exact role of the protein frataxin is clarified, treatments may emerge. Studies are ongoing to assess the role of antioxidants, ]]> coenzyme Q 10]]> , and ]]>vitamin E]]> .

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent this condition.