Therapies for ataxias.
Ataxia can originate from many genetic defects, but also from nongenetic causes. To be able to provide treatment, the first step is to establish the right diagnosis. Once the cause of the ataxia is defined, some specific treatments may be available. For example, the nongenetic ataxias that arise from vitamin deficiencies can improve following treatment. In most cases, however, therapies do not cure the disease and are purely symptomatic. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are effective in all type of ataxias and often remain the most efficient treatment option for these patients to maximize their quality of life.
Department of Neurological Sciences of the Centre Hopitalier Universitaire de Québec and Faculty of Medicine, CHU de Québec, Laval University, 1401, 18th Street, Quebec City, Quebec, G1J 1Z4, Canada.
Laurence
L
Martineau
Anne
A
Noreau
Nicolas
N
Dupré