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Disease characteristics. The hereditary ataxias are a group of genetic disorders characterized by slowly progressive incoordination of gait and often associated with poor coordination of hands, speech, and eye movements. Frequently, atrophy of the cerebellum occurs. In this GeneReview the hereditary ataxias are categorized by mode of inheritance and gene in which causative mutations occur or chromosomal locus.
Diagnosis/testing. Inherited (genetic) forms of ataxia must be distinguished from the many acquired (non-genetic) causes of ataxia. The genetic forms of ataxia are diagnosed by family history, physical examination, neuroimaging, and molecular genetic testing.
Genetic counseling. The hereditary ataxias can be inherited in an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked manner. Genetic counseling and risk assessment depend on determination of the specific cause of an inherited ataxia in an individual.
Management. Treatment of manifestations: Canes, walkers, and wheelchairs for gait ataxia; use of special devices to assist with handwriting, buttoning, and use of eating utensils; speech therapy and/or computer-based devices for those with dysarthria and severe speech deficits.
Prevention of primary manifestations: No specific treatments exist for hereditary ataxia, except vitamin E therapy for ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED).
Clinical manifestations of hereditary ataxia are poor coordination of movement and a wide-based, uncoordinated, unsteady gait. Poor coordination of the limbs and of speech is often present.
Hereditary ataxia may result from one or any combination of the following:
Establishing the diagnosis of hereditary ataxia requires the following:
Differential diagnosis of hereditary ataxia includes acquired, non-genetic causes of ataxia, such as alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies, multiple sclerosis, vascular disease, primary or metastatic tumors, or paraneoplastic diseases associated with occult carcinoma of the ovary, breast, or lung.
The possibility of an acquired cause of ataxia needs to be considered in each individual with ataxia because a specific treatment may be available.
Prevalence of the autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias (ADCAs) in the Netherlands is estimated to be at least 3:100,000 population [van de Warrenburg et al 2002].
The hereditary ataxias can be subdivided by mode of inheritance (i.e., autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked, and mitochondrial) and gene in which causative mutations occur or chromosomal locus.
The hereditary ataxias have also been summarized by Duenas et al [2006], Finsterer [2009a], Paulson [2009] and Durr [2010].
Synonyms for ADCA used prior to the identification of the molecular genetic basis of these disorders were Marie's ataxia, inherited olivopontocerebellar atrophy, cerebello-olivary atrophy, or the more generic term, spinocerebellar degeneration.
The autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias for which specific genetic information is available are summarized in Table 1. Most are spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA), one is a complex form (DRPLA), two are episodic ataxias, and one is a spastic ataxia.
Table 1. Molecular Genetics of Autosomal Dominant Cerebellar Ataxias
| Disease Name | Gene Symbol or Chromosomal Locus 1 | Type of Mutation | Reference | Test Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCA1 | ATXN1 | CAG repeat | Subramony & Ashizawa [2011] | Clinical |
| SCA2 | ATXN2 | CAG repeat | Pulst [2010] | Clinical |
| SCA3 | ATXN3 | CAG repeat | Paulson [2011] | Clinical |
| SCA4 2 | 16q22.1 | --- | Flanigan et al [1996], Hellenbroich et al [2003], Edener et al [2011] | Research only |
| SCA5 | SPTBN2 | Non-repeat mutations | Ikeda et al [2006] | Clinical |
| SCA6 | CACNA1A | CAG repeat | Gomez [2008] | Clinical |
| SCA7 | ATXN7 | CAG repeat | Garden [2012] | Clinical |
| SCA8 | ATXN8 / ATXN80S | CAG·CTG | Ikeda et al [2007] | Clinical |
| SCA9 3 | --- | --- | ||
| SCA10 | ATXN10 | ATTCT repeat | Matsuura & Ashizawa [2012] | Clinical |
| SCA11 | TTBK2 | Non-repeat mutations | Houlden [2008] | Clinical |
| SCA12 | PPP2R2B | CAG repeat | Margolis et al [2011] | Clinical |
| SCA13 | KCNC3 | Non-repeat mutations | Pulst [2012] | Clinical |
| SCA14 | PRKCG | Non-repeat mutations | Chen et al [2010] | Clinical |
| SCA15 | ITPR1 | Deletion of the 5' part of the gene | Storey [2011] | Clinical |
| SCA16 | SCA16 | --- | Miura et al [2006] | Research only |
| SCA17 | TBP | CAA/CAG repeat mutation | Toyoshima et al [2012] | Clinical |
| SCA18 | 7q22-q32 | --- | Brkanac et al [2002], Brkanac et al [2009] | Research only |
| SCA19/22 | KCND3 | --- | Chung et al [2003], Verbeek et al [2002], Chung & Soong [2004], Schelhaas et al [2004], Duarri et al [2012], Lee et al [2012] | Research only |
| SCA20 | 11q12.2-11q12.3 | 260-kb duplication | Storey [2012] | Research only |
| SCA21 | SCA21 | --- | Vuillaume et al [2002] | Research only |
| SCA23 | PDYN | --- | Verbeek et al [2004], Bakalkin et al [2010] | Clinical |
| SCA25 | SCA25 | --- | Research only | |
| SCA26 | EEF2 | Missense | Yu et al [2005], Hekman et al [2012] | Research only |
| SCA27 | FGF14 | --- | van Swieten et al [2003] | Clinical |
| SCA28 | AFG3L2 | --- | Cagnoli et al [2006], Mariotti et al [2008] | Clinical |
| SCA29 | 3p26 | --- | Dudding et al [2004] | Research only |
| SCA30 | 4q34.3-q35.1 | --- | Storey et al [2009] | Research only |
| SCA31 2 | BEAN1 | Sato et al [2009], Sakai et al [2010], Edener et al [2011] | Research only | |
| SCA35 | TGM6 | Missense | Wang et al [2010] | Clinical |
| SCA36 | NOP56 | GGCCTG Intronic repeat expansion | Kobayashi et al [2011] | Research only |
| DRPLA | ATN1 | CAG repeat | Tsuji [2010] | Clinical |
| EA1 | KCNA1 | --- | D'Adamo et al [2012] | Clinical |
| EA2 4 | CACNA1A | Non-repeat mutations | Spacey [2011] | Clinical |
| CACNB4 | --- | Clinical | ||
| EA3 5 | 1q42 | --- | Damji et al [1996] | Research only |
| EA4 6 | --- | --- | Steckley et al [2001] | Research only |
| EA5 | CACNB4 | --- | Jen et al [2007] | Clinical |
| EA6 | SLC1A3 | --- | Jen et al [2007] | Clinical |
| SPAX1 | VAMP1 | Non-repeat mutations | Meijer et al [2002], Bourassa et al [2012] | Research only |
1. Chromosomal locus is given only when the gene is unknown.
2. Japanese families linked to the 16q22 region have a single-nucleotide substitution (-16C>T) in the 5' UTR of PLEKHG4 and often share a common haplotype [Ishikawa et al 2005, Ohata et al 2006]. It is not yet certain whether the nucleotide substitution is itself pathogenic [Sakai et al 2010]. Edener et al [2011] provide evidence that SCA4 and SCA31 are caused by different mutations, possibly in different genes at the same locus (16q22).
3. Although SCA9 has been reserved, no clinical or genetic information regarding this type has been published.
4. EA2, SCA6, and one type of familial hemiplegic migraine all represent allelic mutations in CACNA1A.
5. A single family with EA3 (periodic vestibulocerebellar ataxia with defective smooth pursuit) [Jen et al 2007]
6. A single family with EA4 (episodic ataxia with vertigo and tinnitus) [Jen et al 2007]
Other autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias (not included in Table 1)
Molecular genetic testing
The age of onset and physical findings in the autosomal dominant ataxias overlap. Table 2 indicates a few more or less distinguishing clinical features for each type [Hammans 1996, Nance 1997, Schöls et al 1997, Klockgether et al 1998, Kerber et al 2005, Kraft et al 2005, Maschke et al 2005]. Often the autosomal dominant ataxias cannot be differentiated by clinical or neuroimaging studies; they are usually slowly progressive and often associated with cerebellar atrophy, as seen from brain imaging studies. The frequency of the occurrence of each disease within the autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia (ADCA) population is noted in Table 2. Refer to Figure 1 for reported prevalence of ADCA subtypes worldwide.
Data are based on a comprehensive study in the US by Moseley et al [1998]. The prevalence of individual subtypes of ADCA may vary from region to region, frequently because of founder effects. For example, DRPLA and SCA3 are more common in Japan and in Portugal, respectively; SCA2 is common in Korea and SCA3 is much more common in Japan and Germany than in the United Kingdom [Leggo et al 1997, Schöls et al 1997, Watanabe et al 1998, Kim et al 2001, Silveira et al 2002]. SCA3 was originally described in Portuguese families from the Azores and called Machado-Joseph disease (MJD). DRPLA is rare in North America and common in Japan. A recent study found evidence of frequency variation between different regions in Japan [Matsumura et al 2003].
Table 2. Autosomal Dominant Cerebellar Ataxias: Clinical Features
| Disease Name 1 | Average Onset (range in yrs) | Average Duration (range in yrs) | Distinguishing Features 2 | Other | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCA1 | 3rd - 4th decade (<10 to >60) | 15 yrs (10-28) | Pyramidal signs, peripheral neuropathy | Subramony & Ashizawa [2011] | |
| SCA2 | 3rd - 4th decade (<10 to >60) | 10 yrs (1-30) | Slow saccadic eye movements, peripheral neuropathy, decreased DTRs, dementia | Pulst [2010] | |
| SCA3 | 4th decade (10-70) | 10 yrs (1-20) | Pyramidal and extrapyramidal signs; lid retraction, nystagmus, decreased saccade velocity; amyotrophy fasciculations, sensory loss | Paulson [2011] | |
| SCA4 | 4th - 7th decade (19-72) | Decades | Sensory axonal neuropathy, deafness | May be allelic with 16q22-linked SCA | Flanigan et al [1996] |
| SCA5 | 3rd - 4th decade (10-68) | >25 yrs | Early onset, slow course | 1st reported in descendants of Abraham Lincoln | Ranum et al [1994], Stevanin et al [1999], Burk et al [2004], Ikeda et al [2006] |
| SCA6 | 5th - 6th decade (19-71) | >25 yrs | Sometimes episodic ataxia, very slow progression | Gomez [2008] | |
| SCA7 | 3rd - 4th decade (0.5 - 60) | 20 yrs (1-45; early onset correlates with shorter duration) | Visual loss with retinopathy | Garden [2012] | |
| SCA8 | 4th decade (1-65) | Normal life span | Slowly progressive, sometimes brisk DTRs, decreased vibration sense; rarely, cognitive impairment | Ikeda et al [2007] | |
| SCA10 | 4th decade (12-48) | 9 yrs | Occasional seizures | Most families are of Mexican background | Matsuura & Ashizawa [2012] |
| SCA11 | Age 30 yrs (15-70) | Normal life span | Mild, remain ambulatory | Houlden [2008] | |
| SCA12 | 4th decade (8-62) | Slowly progressive ataxia; action tremor in the 30s; hyperreflexia; subtle Parkinsonism possible; cognitive/psychiatric disorders incl dementia | Margolis et al [2011] | ||
| SCA13 | Childhood or adulthood | Unknown | Mild intellectual disability, short stature | Pulst [2012] | |
| SCA14 | 3rd - 4th decade (3-70) | Decades (1-30) | Early axial myoclonus | Chen et al [2010] | |
| SCA15 | 4th decade (7-66) | Decades | Pure ataxia, very slow progression | Storey [2011] | |
| SCA16 | Age 39 yrs (20-66) | 1-40 yrs | Head tremor | One Japanese family | Miyoshi et al [2001], Miura et al [2006] |
| SCA17 | 4th decade (3-55) | >8 years | Mental deterioration; occasional chorea, dystonia, myoclonus, epilepsy | Purkinje cell loss, intranuclear inclusions with expanded polyglutamine | Toyoshima et al [2012] |
| SCA18 | Adolescence (12-25) | Decades | Ataxia with early sensory/motor neuropathy, nystagmus, dysarthria, decreased tendon reflexes | Muscle weakness, atrophy, fasiculations, Babinski responses | Brkanac et al [2002], Brkanac et al [2009] |
| SCA19/22 | 4th decade (10-51) | Decades | Slowly progressive, rare cognitive impairment, myoclonus, hyper-reflexia | Nine families | Schelhaas et al [2001], Verbeek et al [2002], Chung et al [2003], Lee et al [2012] |
| SCA20 | 5th decade (19-64) | Decades | Early dysarthria, spasmodic dysphonia, hyperreflexia, bradykinesia | Calcification of the dentate nucleus | Storey [2012] |
| SCA21 | (6-30) | Decades | Mild cognitive impairment | Devos et al [2001] | |
| SCA23 | 5th - 6th decade | >10 yrs | Dysarthria, abnormal eye movements, reduced vibration and position sense | One Dutch family; neuropathology 3 | Verbeek et al [2004] |
| SCA25 | (1.5-39) | Unknown | Sensory neuropathy | One French family | Stevanin et al [2003] |
| SCA26 | (26-60) | Unknown | Dysarthria, irregular visual pursuits | One Norwegian-American family; MRI: cerebellar atrophy | Yu et al [2005], Hekman et al [2012] |
| SCA27 | Age 11 yrs (7-20) | Decades | Early-onset tremor; dyskinesia, cognitive deficits | One Dutch family | van Swieten et al [2003], Brusse et al [2006] |
| SCA28 | Age 19.5 yrs (12-36) | Decades | Nystagmus, ophthalmoparesis, ptosis, increased tendon reflexes | Two Italian families | Cagnoli et al [2006], Mariotti et al [2008], Edener et al [2010] |
| SCA29 | Early childhood | Lifelong | Learning deficits | Dudding et al [2004] | |
| SCA30 | (45-76) | Lifelong | Hyperreflexia | Storey et al [2009] | |
| SCA31 | 5th-6th decade | Lifelong | Normal sensation | Nagaoka et al [2000] | |
| SCA35 | 43.7 +/-2.9 (40-48) yrs | 15.9+/-8.8 (5-31) yrs | Hyperreflexia, Babinski responses | Spasmodic torticollis | Wang et al [2010] |
| SCA36 | 52.8 +/- 4.3 years | Decades | Muscle fasiculations, tongue atrophy, hyperreflexia | Kobayashi et al [2011] | |
| DRPLA | 3rd - 4th decade (8-20 or 40-60s) | Early onset correlates with shorter duration | Chorea, seizures, dementia, myoclonus | Often confused with Huntington disease | Tsuji [2010] |
| EA1 | 1st - 2nd decade (2-15) | Attenuates after 20 yrs | Myokymia; attacks lasting seconds to minutes; startle or exercise induced; no vertigo | D'Adamo et al [2012] | |
| EA2 | (2-32) | Lifelong | Nystagmus; attacks lasting minutes to hours; posture change induced; vertigo; later, permanent ataxia | Spacey [2011] | |
| SPAX1 | (10-20) | Normal life span | Initial progressive leg spasticity | Similar to ARSACS |
ADCA = autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias
SCA = spinocerebellar ataxia
DRPLA = dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy
SAX = spastic ataxia
EA = episodic ataxia
DTRs = deep tendon reflexes
SPAX1 = autosomal dominant spastic ataxia 1
1. SCA9 has not been assigned.
2. All have gait ataxia.
3. Purkinje cell loss, demyelination of the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord, and neuronal intranuclear inclusions in the substantia nigra
Autosomal recessive disorders that include ataxia have been reviewed (see review: Embirucu et al [2009]).
Table 3 and Table 4 summarize information for eleven typical autosomal recessive disorders in which ataxia is a prominent feature. The disorders are selected to indicate the range of genetic understanding that presently exists regarding recessive causes of ataxia. Other rare autosomal recessive hereditary ataxias are described briefly.
Table 3. Examples of Autosomal Recessive Hereditary Ataxias: Molecular Genetics
| Disease Name | Gene Symbol / Protein Name | Reference | Test Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) | FXN / frataxin | Bidichandani & Delatycki [2012] | Clinical |
| Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) | ATM | Gatti [2010] | Clinical |
| Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED) | TTPA | Schuelke [2010] | Clinical |
| Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 1 (AOA1) | APTX / aprataxin | Coutinho & Barbot [2010] | Clinical |
| Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2 (AOA2) | SETX | Moreira & Koenig [2011] | Clinical |
| IOSCA 1 | C10orf2 / twinkle | Nikali & Lönnqvist [2010] | Clinical |
| Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome | SIL1 | Anttonen & Lehesjoki [2010] | Clinical |
| Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) | SACS / sacsin | Vermeer et al [2012] | Clinical |
| Refsum disease | PHYH PEX7 | Wanders et al [2010] | Clinical |
| CoQ10 deficiency | CABC1 COQ2 COQ9 PDSS1 PDSS2 | Montero et al [2007] | Clinical |
| Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) | CYP27A1 | Federico et al [2011] | Clinical |
1. IOSCA = infantile-onset spinocerebellar ataxia
Table 4. Examples of Autosomal Recessive Hereditary Ataxias: Clinical Features
| Disease Name | Population Frequency | Onset (range in yrs) | Duration in Years | Distinguishing Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) | 1-2:50,000 | 1st - 2nd decade (4-40) | 10-30 | Hyporeflexia, Babinski responses, sensory loss, cardiomyopathy |
| Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) | 1:40,000 to 1:100,000 | 1st decade | 10-20 | Telangiectasia, immune deficiency, cancer, chromosomal instability, increased alpha-fetoprotein |
| Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED) | Rare | Age 2-52 yrs, usually <20 | Decades | Similar to FRDA, head titubation (28%) |
| Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 1 (AOA1) | Unknown | Childhood | Decades | Oculomotor apraxia, choreoathetosis, mild intellectual disability, hypoalbuminemia |
| Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2 (AOA2) | Unknown | Age 10-22 yrs | Decades | Cerebellar atrophy, axonal sensorimotor neuropathy, oculomotor apraxia |
| IOSCA 1 | Rare (Finland) | Infancy | Decades | Peripheral neuropathy, athetosis, optic atrophy, deafness, ophthalmoplegia |
| Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome | Rare | Infancy | Decades | Intellectual disability, cataract, hypotonia, myopathy |
| Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) | Rare | Childhood | Decades | Spasticity, peripheral neuropathy, retinal striation |
| Refsum disease | Rare | 1st-6th decade | Decades | Neuropathy, deafness, ichthyosis, retinopathy |
| CoQ10 deficiency | Rare | Childhood | Decades | Seizures, cognitive decline, pyramidial signs, myopathy |
| Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) | 1:50,000 | Childhood to young adulthood | Decades | Thick tendons, cognitive decline, dystonia, white matter disease, cataract |
1. IOSCA = infantile-onset spinocerebellar ataxia
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is characterized by slowly progressive ataxia with onset usually before age 25 years typically associated with depressed tendon reflexes, dysarthria, Babinski responses, and loss of position and vibration senses [Lynch et al 2006]. About 25% of affected individuals have an "atypical" presentation with later onset (age >25 years), retained tendon reflexes, or unusually slow progression of disease. The vast majority of individuals have a GAA triplet-repeat expansion in FXN. Unlike the autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias caused by CAG trinucleotide repeats, FRDA is not associated with anticipation [Durr et al 1996].
Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia beginning between ages one and four years, oculomotor apraxia, frequent infections, choreoathetosis, telangiectasias of the conjunctivae, immunodeficiency, and an increased risk for malignancy, particularly leukemia and lymphoma. Testing that supports the diagnosis of individuals with A-T is identification of a 7;14 chromosome translocation on routine karyotype of peripheral blood; the presence of immunodeficiency; and in vitro radiosensitivity assay.
Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED) generally manifests in late childhood or early teens with dysarthria, poor balance when walking (especially in the dark), and progressive clumsiness resulting from early loss of proprioception. Some individuals experience dystonia, psychotic episodes (paranoia), pigmentary retinopathy and/or intellectual decline. Most individuals become wheelchair bound as a result of ataxia and/or leg weakness between ages 11 and 50 years. Although phenotypically similar to FRDA, AVED is more likely to be associated with head titubation or dystonia and less likely to be associated with cardiomyopathy. It is important to consider the diagnosis of AVED (which can be made by measuring serum concentration of vitamin E) because it is treatable with vitamin E supplementation [Yokota et al 1997, Cavalier et al 1998].
An individual with both SCA8 and recessive ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED) did not respond to vitamin E replacement as would be expected with AVED alone [Cellini et al 2002].
A different autosomal recessive ataxia occurring on Grand Cayman Island is caused by mutations in ATCAY, the gene encoding the protein CRAL-TRIO, which may also be involved in vitamin E metabolism [Bomar et al 2003].
Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 1 (AOA1) is characterized by childhood onset of slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia (mean onset age ~7 years), followed in a few years by oculomotor apraxia that progresses to external ophthalmoplegia. All affected individuals have a severe primary motor peripheral neuropathy leading to quadriplegia with loss of ambulation about seven to ten years after onset. Intellect remains normal in affected individuals of Portuguese ancestry but mental deterioration has been seen in affected individuals of Japanese ancestry. The diagnosis of AOA1 is based on clinical findings and confirmed by molecular genetic testing [Barbot et al 2001, Date et al 2001, Moreira et al 2001, Le Ber et al 2003, Onodera 2006].
Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2 (AOA2) is characterized by onset between ages ten and 22 years, cerebellar atrophy, axonal sensorimotor neuropathy, oculomotor apraxia, and elevated serum concentration of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) [Moreira et al 2003, Asaka et al 2006]. The diagnosis of AOA2 is based on clinical and biochemical findings, family history, and exclusion of the diagnosis of ataxia-telangiectasia and AOA1; it is confirmed by molecular genetic testing.
Infantile-onset SCA (IOSCA) is a rare disorder reported from Finland with degeneration of the cerebellum, spinal cord, and brain stem and sensory axonal neuropathy [Nikali et al 2005].
Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome is a rare disorder in which ataxia is associated with intellectual disability, cataract, short stature, and hypotonia [Zimmer et al 1992, Anttonen et al 2005, Senderek et al 2005].
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is characterized by early-onset (age 12-18 months) difficulty in walking and gait unsteadiness. Ataxia, dysarthria, spasticity, extensor plantar reflexes, distal muscle wasting, a distal sensorimotor neuropathy predominantly in the legs, and horizontal gaze nystagmus constitute the major neurologic signs, which are most often progressive. Yellow streaks of hypermyelinated fibers radiate from the edges of the optic fundi in the retina of Quebec-born individuals with ARSACS [Bouchard et al 1998]; the retinal changes are uncommon in French, Tunisian, and Turkish individuals with ARSACS [Mrissa et al 2000, Pulst & Filla 2000]. Individuals with ARSACS become wheelchair bound at the average age of 41 years; cognitive skills are preserved long term and individuals are able to accomplish activities of daily living late into adulthood. Death commonly occurs in the sixth decade.
Refsum disease generally presents in childhood or young adulthood; in addition to ataxia there may be peripheral neuropathy, deafness, ichthyosis or retinitis pigmentosa [Wanders et al 2010].
PHARC (polyneuropathy, hearing loss, ataxia, retinitis pigmentosa, cataract), a syndrome similar to Refsum disease, is caused by mutations in ABHD12 [Fiskerstrand 2010].
CoQ10 deficiency is often associated with seizures, cognitive decline, pyramidal track signs, and myopathy, but may also have prominent cerebellar ataxia [Musumeci et al 2001, Lamperti et al 2003, Montero et al 2007]. The symptoms may respond to coenzyme Q10 treatment.
Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) has characteristic thickening of tendons often associated with cognitive decline, dystonia, cataract, and white matter changes on brain MRI.
Other autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (not included in Tables 3 and 4) for which mutations in a gene have been identified:
Other autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (not included in Tables 3 and 4) for which no mutations in a gene have been identified to date:
X-linked sideroblastic anemia and ataxia (XLSA/A) is characterized by early-onset ataxia, dysmetria, and dysdiadochokinesis. The ataxia is either non-progressive or slowly progressive. Upper motor neuron (UMN) signs (brisk deep tendon reflexes, unsustained ankle clonus, and equivocal or extensor plantar responses) are present in some males. Mild learning disability is seen. Anemia is mild without symptoms. Carrier females have a normal neurologic examination. Causative mutations are present in ABC7, encoding a protein involved with mitochondrial iron transport, suggesting a common pathogenesis with Friedreich ataxia [Allikmets et al 1999, Bekri et al 2000, Maguire et al 2001].
Adult-onset ataxia, especially in men, may be part of the fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) [Berry-Kravis et al 2007, Leehey 2009] (see FMR1-Related Disorders).
A progressive ataxia is sometimes associated with mitochondrial disorders including MERRF (myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibers), NARP (neuropathy, ataxia, and retinitis pigmentosa) [Finsterer 2009b], and Kearns-Sayre syndrome. Mitochondrial disorders are often associated with additional clinical manifestations, such as seizures, deafness, diabetes mellitus, cardiomyopathy, retinopathy, and short stature [Da Pozzo et al 2009].
Pfeffer et al [2012] report that missense mutations in MTATP6 can cause both childhood and adult-onset cerebellar ataxia sometimes associated with abnormal eye movements, dysarthria, weakness, axonal neuropathy and hyperreflexia.
Once a hereditary ataxia is considered in an individual, the following approach can be used to determine the specific cause to aid in discussions of prognosis and genetic counseling. Establishing the specific cause of hereditary ataxia for a given individual usually involves a medical history, physical examination, neurologic examination, neuroimaging, detailed family history, and molecular genetic testing.
Clinical findings. Because of extensive clinical overlap between all of the forms of hereditary ataxia, it is difficult in any given individual with ataxia and a family history consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance to establish a diagnosis without molecular genetic testing. Clinical findings may help distinguish between some of the autosomal recessive ataxias.
Family history. A three-generation family history with attention to other relatives with neurologic signs and symptoms should be obtained. Documentation of relevant findings in relatives can be accomplished either through direct examination of those individuals or review of their medical records including the results of molecular genetic testing, neuroimaging studies, and autopsy examinations.
Testing. Non-DNA-based testing is possible for two autosomal recessive hereditary ataxias: ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) and ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED).
Molecular genetic testing. Gasser et al [2010] have discussed a clinical diagnosis testing strategy using DNA analysis.
Testing strategy when the family history suggests autosomal dominant inheritance
Testing strategy when the family history suggests autosomal recessive inheritance (i.e., affected sibs only, consanguineous parents). A family history in which only sibs are affected and/or when the parents are consanguineous suggests autosomal recessive inheritance. Because of their frequency and/or treatment potential, Friedreich ataxia, ataxia-telangiectasia, ataxia with vitamin E deficiency, and metabolic or lipid storage disorders including Refsum disease and chronic or adult-onset hexosaminidase A deficiency (GM2 gangliosidosis) should be considered.
Testing strategy for individuals who represent a simplex case (i.e., a single occurrence of a disorder in a family, sometimes incorrectly referred to as a "sporadic" case). If no acquired cause of the ataxia is identified, the probability is about 13% that the affected individual has SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA8, SCA17, or Friedreich ataxia [Abele et al 2002]. Other possibilities to consider are a de novo mutation in a different autosomal dominant ataxia, decreased penetrance, alternate paternity, or a single occurrence of an autosomal recessive or X-linked disorder in a family.
Genetic counseling is the process of providing individuals and families with information on the nature, inheritance, and implications of genetic disorders to help them make informed medical and personal decisions. The following section deals with genetic risk assessment and the use of family history and genetic testing to clarify genetic status for family members. This section is not meant to address all personal, cultural, or ethical issues that individuals may face or to substitute for consultation with a genetics professional. —ED.
Hereditary ataxias may be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, an autosomal recessive manner, or an X-linked recessive manner. If a proband has a specific syndrome associated with ataxia (e.g., ataxia as a finding in a mitochondrial disorder or FXTAS), counseling for that condition is indicated.
Parents of a proband
Sibs of a proband
Offspring of a proband. Individuals with autosomal dominant ataxia have a 50% chance of transmitting the mutant allele to each child.
Parents of a proband
Sibs of a proband
Offspring of a proband. All offspring are obligate carriers.
Parents of a proband
Sibs of a proband
Offspring of a proband. All the daughters of an affected male are carriers; none of his sons will be affected.
Testing of at-risk asymptomatic adult relatives of individuals with autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia is possible after molecular genetic testing has identified the specific disorder and mutation in the family. Such testing should be performed in the context of formal genetic counseling. This testing is not useful in predicting age of onset, severity, type of symptoms, or rate of progression in asymptomatic individuals. Testing of asymptomatic at-risk individuals with nonspecific or equivocal symptoms is predictive testing, not diagnostic testing. When testing at-risk individuals, an affected family member should be tested first to confirm that the mutation is identifiable by currently available techniques. Results of testing of 29 asymptomatic persons at risk for autosomal dominant ataxias have been reported [Goizet et al 2002].
Molecular genetic testing of asymptomatic individuals younger than age 18 years who are at risk for adult-onset disorders for which no treatment exists is not considered appropriate, primarily because it negates the autonomy of the child with no compelling benefit. Further, concern exists regarding the potential unhealthy adverse effects that such information may have on family dynamics, the risk of discrimination and stigmatization in the future, and the anxiety that such information may cause.
See also the National Society of Genetic Counselors position statement on genetic testing of minors for adult-onset conditions and the American Society of Human Genetics and American College of Medical Genetics points to consider: ethical, legal, and psychosocial implications of genetic testing in children and adolescents.
DNA banking is the storage of DNA (typically extracted from white blood cells) for possible future use. Because it is likely that testing methodology and our understanding of genes, mutations, and diseases will improve in the future, consideration should be given to banking DNA of affected individuals.
If the disease-causing mutation(s) have been identified in the family, prenatal diagnosis for pregnancies at increased risk is possible by analysis of DNA extracted from fetal cells obtained by amniocentesis (usually performed at approximately 15 to 18 weeks’ gestation) or chorionic villus sampling (usually performed at approximately ten to 12 weeks’ gestation). Such testing may be available through laboratories that offer either testing for the gene of interest or custom testing.
Note: Gestational age is expressed as menstrual weeks calculated either from the first day of the last normal menstrual period or by ultrasound measurements.
Requests for prenatal testing for (typically) adult-onset diseases are not common. Differences in perspective may exist among medical professionals and within families regarding the use of prenatal testing, particularly if the testing is being considered for the purpose of pregnancy termination rather than early diagnosis. Although most centers would consider decisions about prenatal testing to be the choice of the parents, discussion of these issues is appropriate.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) may be an option for some families in which the disease-causing mutation has been identified.
GeneReviews staff has selected the following disease-specific and/or umbrella support organizations and/or registries for the benefit of individuals with this disorder and their families. GeneReviews is not responsible for the information provided by other organizations. For information on selection criteria, click here.
Management of ataxias is usually directed at providing assistance for coordination problems through established methods of rehabilitation medicine and occupational and physical therapy.
With the exception of vitamin E therapy for AVED, no specific treatments exist for hereditary ataxia.
See Genetic Counseling for issues related to testing of at-risk relatives for genetic counseling purposes.
Underwood & Rubinsztein [2008] review potential strategies for treating ataxias associated with trinucleotide repeat expansions.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Medical Genetic Searches: A specialized PubMed search designed for clinicians that is located on the PubMed Clinical Queries page 
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