Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with X-linked non progressive cerebellar ataxia

A rare X-linked condition with low muscle tone in infancy and poor coordination that doesn't worsen over time, with normal thinking.

Understanding X-linked non progressive cerebellar ataxia

X-linked non-progressive cerebellar ataxia is a rare inherited condition of poor coordination that does not worsen over time.

Babies have delayed early motor skills, very low muscle tone, and slow eye movements. Thinking abilities are normal. Some also have tremor, mild swallowing trouble, and slurred speech. A brain MRI shows a small cerebellum, the brain area for coordination.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Poor coordination that doesn't worsen (ataxia)
  • Low muscle tone in infancy
  • Delayed motor skills
  • Intention tremor
  • Slurred speech
  • Unsteady walk and frequent falls

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in ATP2B3 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect 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
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Could ATP2B3 genetic testing help our family?
What therapies can help with coordination and balance?
Which specialists should follow my child's care?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceX-Linked
GenesATP2B3

X-linked non-progressive cerebellar ataxia is caused by changes in the ATP2B3 gene and follows X-linked inheritance.

GeneticNeurological

Also known as: scax5; spinocerebellar ataxia, x-linked 5; spinocerebellar ataxia, x-linked 5, x-linked recessive; x-linked spinocerebellar ataxia type 5

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · X-linked non progressive cerebellar ataxiaGARD ID 17439 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with X-linked non progressive cerebellar ataxia.

Explore the X-linked non progressive cerebellar ataxia blog

Explore research for X-linked non progressive cerebellar ataxia

Explore actively recruiting X-linked non progressive cerebellar ataxia studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for X-linked non progressive cerebellar ataxia with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting X-linked non progressive cerebellar ataxia studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for X-linked non progressive cerebellar ataxia

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor X-linked non progressive cerebellar ataxia

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your X-linked non progressive cerebellar ataxia experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.