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What Is Friedreich's Ataxia?
Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is a very rare, inherited neurological genetic disorder that affects an individual’s speech, balance, and coordination. Other symptoms can be weakness and loss of muscle bulk in the legs and hands, curved spine, heart trouble, vision and hearing loss, jerky eye movements, and diabetes. Most people who have Friedreich's Ataxia eventually need support to walk, like a scooter, walker or wheelchair.
In spite of the progressive nature of the disorder many Friedreich’s Ataxians (FA’ers) continue to live life with zest; college educations, sports (skiing, swimming, white water rafting, sky diving), relationships, and working as they can, are all part of their lifestyles.
There are many productive, successful people with FA — business leaders, outstanding students, engineers, active teens and bright kids, parents, even athletes. They have all learned to strike a balance between adapting to their limitations and surroundings, and living a fulfilling life despite them.
Friedreich's ataxia was the first form of hereditary ataxia to be distinguished from other forms of ataxia. It is named after the German doctor, Nikolaus Friedreich, who first described it in 1863.
Presently there is no known cure, but with the advancement of all the recent genetic discoveries and research, there is a great deal of hope indeed! The medical and research technology to develop a cure is within sight; now it mainly will take money to fund that research effort.
More Information:
Muscular Dystrophy Association
