Learn About Friedreich Ataxia
Friedreich ataxia is a rare disease passed down through families (inherited). It affects the muscles and heart.
Friedreich's ataxia; Spinocerebellar degeneration
Friedreich ataxia is caused by a defect in a gene called frataxin (FXN). Changes in this gene cause the body to make too much of a part of DNA called trinucleotide repeat (GAA). Normally, the body contains about 8 to 30 copies of GAA. People with Friedreich ataxia have as many as 1,000 copies. The more copies of GAA a person has, the earlier in life the disease starts and the faster it gets worse.
Friedreich ataxia is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder. This means you must get a copy of the defective gene from both your mother and father.
Symptoms are caused by the wearing away of structures in areas of the brain and spinal cord that control coordination, muscle movement, and other functions. Symptoms most often begin before puberty. Symptoms may include:
- Abnormal speech
- Changes in vision, particularly color vision
- Decrease in ability to feel vibrations in lower limbs
- Foot problems, such as hammer toe and high arches
- Hearing loss, this occurs in about 10% of people
- Jerky eye movements
- Loss of coordination and balance, which leads to frequent falls
- Muscle weakness
- No reflexes in the legs
- Unsteady gait and uncoordinated movements (ataxia), which gets worse with time
Muscle problems lead to changes in the spine. This may result in scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis.
Heart disease most often develops and may lead to heart failure. Heart failure or dysrhythmias that do not respond to treatment may result in death. Diabetes may develop in later stages of the disease.
Treatment for Friedreich ataxia includes:
- Counseling
- Speech therapy
- Physical therapy
- Walking aids or wheelchairs
Orthopedic devices (braces) may be needed for scoliosis and foot problems. Treating heart disease and diabetes help people live longer and improve their quality of life.
Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Martin Delatycki is in Parkville, Australia. Delatycki is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Friedreich Ataxia. He is also highly rated in 19 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Friedreich Ataxia, Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Drug Induced Dyskinesia, and Acute Cerebellar Ataxia.
Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Louise Corben is in Melbourne, Australia. Corben is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Friedreich Ataxia. She is also highly rated in 8 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Friedreich Ataxia, Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Drug Induced Dyskinesia, and Dysarthria.
Westwood - Neurological Services
Susan Perlman is a Neurologist in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Perlman has been practicing medicine for over 47 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Friedreich Ataxia. She is also highly rated in 49 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Acute Cerebellar Ataxia, Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Friedreich Ataxia, and Drug Induced Dyskinesia. She is board certified in Neurology and licensed to treat patients in California. Dr. Perlman is currently accepting new patients.
Friedreich ataxia slowly gets worse and causes problems doing everyday activities. Most people need to use a wheelchair within 15 years of the disease's start. The disease may lead to early death.
Complications may include:
- Diabetes
- Heart failure or heart disease
- Loss of ability to move around
Call your health care provider if symptoms of Friedreich ataxia occur, especially if there is a family history of the disorder.
People with a family history of Friedreich ataxia who intend to have children may want to consider genetic screening to determine their risk.
Mink JW. Movement disorders. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 615.
Warner WC, Sawyer JR. Neuromuscular disorders. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 35.