title: Mechanical methods of controlling ataxia.
abstract: Currently, the most effective and practical way of controlling ataxia which cannot be effectively treated with drugs, surgery or therapy is to use viscous damping. Devices are available commercially that have proved very effective in enabling people with ataxia to feed themselves and to use a computer, functions that they could otherwise not perform easily, if at all. For most people with severe ataxia this is very important. Being able to feed oneself is a very basic and important social and psychological function. Access to computers is extremely useful in this age, particularly for people with disabilities that prevent them from performing other functions. Provision of such devices can be one of the most effective ways of using resources to enrich the lives of people with ataxia.
authors.affiliation: Michaelis Engineering Ltd, Buxton, Derbyshire, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Michaelis
mesh_terms: D001259:Ataxia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001698:Biomedical Engineering / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D003201:Computers; D004867:Equipment Design; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D009989:Orthotic Devices