Hereditary Ataxia Overview

Excerpt

The purpose of this overview on hereditary ataxia is to increase the awareness of clinicians regarding the causes of hereditary ataxia, related genetic counseling issues, and management.

Goal 1: Briefly describe the clinical characteristics of hereditary ataxias (sometimes referred to as "primary hereditary ataxias") for which an adult with ataxia or the caregivers of a child with ataxia would seek diagnosis and management from a neurologist as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Goal 2: Review common and notable genetic causes of hereditary ataxia.

Goal 3: Provide an evaluation strategy to identify the genetic cause of hereditary ataxia in a proband.

Goal 4: Review management of hereditary ataxia.

Goal 5: Inform genetic counseling of family members of an individual with hereditary ataxia.