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PrintSporadic adult-onset ataxia of unknown etiology describes a group of non-hereditary degenerative ataxias characterized by a slowly progressive cerebellar syndrome (with ataxia of stance and gait, upper limb dysmetria and intention tremor, ataxic speech, and oculomotor abnormalities), presenting in adulthood (at around 50 years of age), that is not due to a known cause. Extracerebellar symptoms (e.g., decreased vibration sense and absent or decreased ankle reflexes), polyneuropathy and mild autonomic dysfunction may also be present. Mild cognitive impairment has also rarely been reported.
The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) has information and resources for patients, caregivers, and families that may be helpful before and after diagnosis of this condition. GARD is a program of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
View reportOrphanet has a summary about this condition that may include information on the diagnosis, care, and treatment as well as other resources. Some of the information and resources are available in languages other than English. The summary may include medical terms, so we encourage you to share and discuss this information with your doctor. Orphanet is the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research and the Health Programme of the European Union.
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