Friedreich Ataxia Overview
Learn About Friedreich Ataxia
View Main Condition: Movement Disorders
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 commonly 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
A new medicine, omaveloxolone (Skyclarys), was approved by FDA in 2023 to slow disease progression. 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.
State University Of Iowa
Katherine Mathews is a Neurologist and a Pediatrics provider in Iowa City, Iowa. Dr. Mathews is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Friedreich Ataxia. Her top areas of expertise are Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2I, Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, Dystrophinopathy, and Friedreich Ataxia. Dr. Mathews is currently accepting new patients.
Martin Delatycki practices in Parkville, Australia. Mr. Delatycki is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Friedreich Ataxia. His top areas of expertise are Friedreich Ataxia, Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Drug Induced Dyskinesia, and Hereditary Ataxia.
Massimo Pandolfo practices in Brussels, Belgium. Mr. Pandolfo is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Friedreich Ataxia. His top areas of expertise are Friedreich Ataxia, Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Drug Induced Dyskinesia, and Hereditary Ataxia.
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
Contact 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.
Summary: The purpose of this research study is to determine a way to measure frataxin messenger RNA (mRNA) in fluids such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA). The gene mutation in FRDA leads to low levels of the mRNA and then low levels of the protein frataxin that leads to the disease. Treatments being developed for FRDA have the ability increase these leve...
Summary: Characteristics and clinical course of disease In participants with cardiomyopathy associated with Friedreich Ataxia (CLARITY-FA)
Published Date: November 06, 2024
Published By: Anna C. Edens Hurst, MD, MS, Associate Professor in Medical Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Mink JW. Movement disorders. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 637.
Okun MS, Ostrem JL. Other movement disorders. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 379.