Friedreich’s Ataxia Awareness With Dr. Awada
Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) is a recessive form of Ataxia. It is caused by a genetic mutation that is passed on from parents to their children. FA is a rare, inherited disorder that causes progressive damage to the nervous system. It affects a person’s peripheral nerves, which carry information back and forth from the brain to the body using sensory and motor signals. Symptoms often begin in late childhood and can include: Trouble walking, Fatigue, Changes in sensation, Slowed speech, Unsteady posture, Frequent falling, Foot deformities, and Scoliosis. FA is the most common form of hereditary ataxia in the United States. The disorder is progressive, with a mean duration of 15-20 years. More than 95% of patients are wheelchair bound by age 45 years. Visit ataxia.org website to learn more.
