What is ataxia?

What is ataxia?

Ataxia is the term for a group of neurological diseases (diseases related to the nervous system) that affect movement and coordination. People with ataxia often have trouble with balance, coordination, swallowing, and speech. Ataxia usually develops as a result of damage to a part of the brain that coordinates movement (cerebellum).

Ataxia can develop at any age. It is typically progressive, meaning it can get worse with time. It is a rare condition, affecting about 150,000 people in the U.S.