Ataxia

The chapter provides a thorough discussion of ataxia, frequently encountered in referrals to movement disorder clinics, highlighting its diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The time course of development, the presence of co-existing neurologic or systemic features, and family history guide the work-up of the patient with ataxia. The identification of reversible and treatable forms of both acquired and genetic ataxias is crucial to implement specific therapies. The discussions encompass various cerebellar ataxias—both autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant—as well as acquired ataxias, including autoimmune, paraneoplastic cerebellar ataxia, ataxia resulting from vascular etiologies, and drug-induced cerebellar ataxia. Although symptomatic treatment of ataxia is currently limited, the chapter also delves into recent advancements, specifically addressing the disease-modifying treatment for Friedreich’s ataxia.