EPISODIC ATAXIA

Types

Doctors have classified ataxia from type 1 to type 8, according to their signs and symptoms and from its genetic cause.

• Episodic ataxia type 1 is brought about by a transformation in a potassium channel. This channel allows electrical movement in nerve cells, and these movements may become unusual when the channel is changed by a genetic defect.
• Episodic Ataxia Type 2 is related to attacks of extreme vertigo, nausea and vomiting that lasts from hours to days.
• EA3 have brief attacks including an absence of muscle coordination and control
• EA4 doesn’t react well to the medications utilized for other forms of ataxia.
• EA5 have attacks that continue for a considerable length of time like EA2.
• EA6 is brought about by a transformation that can lead to seizures, headache, and hemiplegia, like EA2.
• EA7 was distinguished in only one family and is particularly similar to EA2 while the neurological exam is normal.
• EA8 demonstrates its symptoms in the early stages with attacks lasting from minutes to an entire day.

Symptoms

Episodic ataxia is a group of related conditions that affect the sensory system and cause issues with development. Individuals with episodic ataxia have repetitive episodes of poor coordination, loss of balance and may experience the following:

• Dizziness (vertigo)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Migraine headaches
• Blurred or double vision
• Slurred speech
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Seizures
• Paralysis affecting one side of the body (hemiplegia)
• Muscle abnormality called myokymia during or between episodes
• Muscle cramping
• Stiffness
• Muscle twitching that appears as rippling under the skin

Diagnosis

Before achieving a diagnosis of episodic ataxia, other reasons for ataxia should be assessed. If there is a family history of ataxia, it might be worth getting genetic testing.

Treatment

Manifestations of both EA1 and EA2 improve with acetazolamide, a drug that is usually utilized as a diuretic or to help change acidity levels in the blood. Dalfampridine has additionally shown to be effective in episodic ataxia type 2 too.