Living with Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia
A group of inherited conditions that cause poor balance and coordination from changes in the cerebellum of the brain.
Understanding Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia
The most common symptom is a jerky, unsteady walk. Hand coordination and speech clarity are also affected. The area of the brain controlling balance and movement shrinks (cerebellar atrophy), which shows on brain imaging. ADCAs include the autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias, all of the episodic ataxias, and one dominant type of spastic ataxia. It can begin at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
GARD says symptoms vary by type. The most common is:
- Poor movement coordination (ataxia)
- Jerky, unsteady walking
- Poor hand coordination
- Unclear speech (dysarthria)
- Shrinking of the cerebellum on brain scans
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
National Ataxia Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: National Ataxia Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with National Ataxia Foundation
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in many different genes are known to cause different types, and more genes are still being found. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene can be enough to cause it.
Also known as: adca; autosomal dominant hereditary ataxia; autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia; cerebellar ataxia, autosomal dominant; spinocerebellar ataxia, dominant
Patient organizations
- National Ataxia FoundationAtaxia · United States
Broader rare-disease groups
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia.
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