HOMOEOPATHY FOR ATAXIA

Ataxia describes a lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements, such as walking or picking up objects. A sign of an underlying condition, ataxia can affect various movements and create difficulties with speech, eye movement and swallowing.

Persistent ataxia usually results from damage to the part of your brain that controls muscle coordination (cerebellum). Many conditions can cause ataxia, including alcohol misuse, certain medication, stroke, tumor, cerebral palsy, brain degeneration and multiple sclerosis. Inherited defective genes also can cause the condition.

Symptoms

Ataxia can develop over time or come on suddenly. A sign of a number of neurological disorders, ataxia can cause:

·         Poor coordination

·         Unsteady walk and a tendency to stumble

·         Difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as eating, writing or buttoning a shirt

·         Change in speech

·         Involuntary back-and-forth eye movements (nystagmus)

·         Difficulty swallowing

Causes

Damage, degeneration or loss of nerve cells in the part of your brain that controls muscle coordination (cerebellum), results in ataxia. Your cerebellum comprises two portions of folded tissue situated at the base of your brain near your brainstem. This area of the brain helps with balance as well as eye movements, swallowing and speech.

Diseases that damage the spinal cord and peripheral nerves that connect your cerebellum to your muscles also can cause ataxia. Ataxia causes include:

·         Head trauma. Damage to your brain or spinal cord from a blow to your head, such as might occur in a car accident, can cause acute cerebellar ataxia, which comes on suddenly.

·         Stroke. Either a blockage or bleeding in the brain can cause ataxia. When the blood supply to a part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, brain cells die.

·         Cerebral palsy. This is a general term for a group of disorders caused by damage to a child's brain during early development — before, during or shortly after birth — that affects the child's ability to coordinate body movements.

·         Autoimmune diseases. Multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, celiac disease and other autoimmune conditions can cause ataxia.

• Infections. Ataxia can be an uncommon complication of chickenpox and other viral infections such as HIV and Lyme disease. It might appear in the healing stages of the infection and last for days or weeks. Normally, the ataxia resolves over time.
• Paraneoplastic syndromes. These are rare, degenerative disorders triggered by your immune system's response to a cancerous tumor (neoplasm), most commonly from lung, ovarian, breast or lymphatic cancer. Ataxia can appear months or years before the cancer is diagnosed.
• Abnormalities in the brain. An infected area (abscess) in the brain may cause ataxia. A growth on the brain, cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign), can damage the cerebellum.
• Toxic reaction. Ataxia is a potential side effect of certain medications, especially barbiturates, such as phenobarbital; sedatives, such as benzodiazepines; antiepileptic drugs, such as phenytoin; and some types of chemotherapy. Vitamin B-6 toxicity also may cause ataxia. These causes are important to identify because the effects are often reversible.
• Also, some medications you take can cause problems as you age, so you might need to reduce your dose or discontinue the medication.

Alcohol and drug intoxication; heavy metal poisoning, such as from lead or mercury; and solvent poisoning, such as from paint thinner, also can cause ataxia.

• Vitamin E, vitamin B-12 or thiamine deficiency. Not getting enough of these nutrients, because of the inability to absorb enough, alcohol misuse or other reasons, can lead to ataxia.
• Thyroid problems. Hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism can cause ataxia.

For some adults who develop sporadic ataxia, no specific cause can be found. Sporadic ataxia can take a number of forms, including multiple system atrophy, a progressive, degenerative disorder.

Hereditary ataxias

Some types of ataxia and some conditions that cause ataxia are hereditary. If you have one of these conditions, you were born with a defect in a certain gene that makes abnormal proteins.

The abnormal proteins hamper the function of nerve cells, primarily in your cerebellum and spinal cord, and cause them to degenerate. As the disease progresses, coordination problems worsen.

You can inherit a genetic ataxia from either a dominant gene from one parent (autosomal dominant disorder) or a recessive gene from each parent (autosomal recessive disorder). In the latter case, it's possible neither parent has the disorder (silent mutation), so there might be no obvious family history.

Different gene defects cause different types of ataxia, most of which are progressive. Each type causes poor coordination, but each has specific signs and symptoms.

Autosomal dominant ataxias

These include:

·         Spinocerebellar ataxias. Researchers have identified more than 40 autosomal dominant ataxia genes, and the number continues to grow. Cerebellar ataxia and cerebellar degeneration are common to all types, but other signs and symptoms, as well as age of onset, differ depending on the specific gene mutation

·         Episodic ataxia (EA). There are eight recognized types of ataxia that are episodic rather than progressive — EA1 through EA7, plus late-onset episodic ataxia. EA1 and EA2 are the most common. EA1 involves brief ataxic episodes that may last seconds or minutes. The episodes are triggered by stress, being startled or sudden movement, and often are associated with muscle twitching.

·         EA2 involves longer episodes, usually lasting from 30 minutes to six hours, which also are triggered by stress. You might have dizziness (vertigo), fatigue and muscle weakness during your episodes. In some cases, symptoms resolve in later life.

·         Episodic ataxia doesn't shorten life span, and symptoms might respond to medication.

Autosomal recessive ataxias

These include:

·         Friedreich's ataxia. This common hereditary ataxia involves damage to your cerebellum, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves carry signals from your brain and spinal cord to your muscles. In most cases, signs and symptoms appear well before age 25.

·         The rate of disease progression varies. The first indication generally is difficulty walking (gait ataxia). The condition typically progresses to the arms and trunk. Muscles weaken and waste away over time, causing deformities, particularly in your feet, lower legs and hands.

·         Other signs and symptoms that might develop as the disease progresses include slow, slurred speech (dysarthria); fatigue; rapid, involuntary eye movements (nystagmus); spinal curvature (scoliosis); hearing loss; and heart disease, including heart enlargement (cardiomyopathy) and heart failure. Early treatment of heart problems can improve quality of life and survival.

• Ataxia-telangiectasia. This rare, progressive childhood disease causes degeneration in the brain and other body systems. The disease also causes immune system breakdown (immunodeficiency disease), which increases susceptibility to other diseases, including infections and tumors. It affects various organs.

Telangiectasia is the formation of tiny red "spider" veins that might appear in the corners of your child's eyes or on the ears and cheeks. Delayed motor skill development, poor balance and slurred speech are typically the first indications of the disease. Recurrent sinus and respiratory infections are common.

Children with ataxia-telangiectasia are at high risk of developing cancer, particularly leukemia or lymphoma. Most people with the disease need a wheelchair by their teens and die before age 30, usually of cancer or lung (pulmonary) disease.

• Congenital cerebellar ataxia. This type of ataxia results from damage to the cerebellum that's present at birth.
• Wilson's disease. People with this condition accumulate copper in their brains, livers and other organs, which can cause neurological problems, including ataxia. Early identification of this disorder can lead to treatment that will slow progression.

Diagnosis

 Besides conducting a physical exam and a neurological exam, including checking your memory and concentration, vision, hearing, balance, coordination, and reflexes, your doctor might request laboratory tests, including:

·         Imaging studies. A CT scan or MRI of your brain might help determine potential causes. An MRI can sometimes show shrinkage of the cerebellum and other brain structures in people with ataxia. It may also show other treatable findings, such as a blood clot or benign tumor, that could be pressing on your cerebellum.

·         Lumbar puncture (spinal tap). A needle is inserted into your lower back (lumbar region) between two lumbar bones (vertebrae) to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. The fluid, which surrounds and protects your brain and spinal cord, is sent to a laboratory for testing.

·         Genetic testing. Your doctor might recommend genetic testing to determine whether you or your child has the gene mutation that causes one of the hereditary ataxic conditions. Gene tests are available for many but not all of the hereditary ataxias.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance  at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When ataxia  is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms.

EARLY STAGE

ARGENTUM NITRICUM—Argentum nitricum is a great remedy for inco-ordination of muscles. Unable to stand in the dark or with eyes closed. Walks and stands unsteadily , especially when unobserved.  Legs weak and calves feel bruised. The legs feel as if they were made of wood or padded. Trembling of limbs. Loss of papillary reflexes , and perhaps incontinence of urine. Useful in the early stages.

PLUMBUM METALLICUM—Paralysis with atrophy , loss of  co-ordination of muscles, anaesthesia, and impotence. Sharp, piercing pains , worse at night, sometimes so severe as to make the patient cry out. Pains in muscles of thighs, come in paroxysms. Loss of patellar reflex.

BELLADONNA –In first stage of the disease Belladonna is indicated. Inco-ordination  of the upper and lower extremities. The patient raises the foot slowly and puts it down with great force. When walking he raises his legs as if he had to pass over an obstacle. Sharp pains, which are lightening like.  Pain appear suddenly and disappear suddenly. Diplopia, amaurosis, trembling of limbs, and tottering gait is also found. Belladonna is also a  useful remedy in the last stage of the disease, when gastric crises are present.

NUX VOMICA— A useful remedy in the first stage of ataxia. Drags feet while walking. Sensation of sudden loss of power of arms and legs in the morning. Legs numb, feel paralysed, cramps in calves and soles. Ataxia in alcoholics.

ZINCUM METALLICUM— Zincum is also  a remedy effective at the beginning. Stumbling, spastic, gait totters while walking, especially in the dark and with closed eyes. Lightning –like pain of locomotor ataxia, sweaty feet with sore toes. Formication of feet and legs as of insects crawling over the skin, prevent sleep, better rubbing and pressure. Twitchings  and the whole body jerks during sleep.

ADVANCED STAGES

ALUMINA—Staggers on walking. Legs feel numb, especially when sitting cross legged.  Heaviness of legs, can scarcely  lift them. Heels feel numb when stepping. Soles tender, on stepping, feel soft and swollen. Impairment of coordination.  Inability to walk, expect with eyes open and in the day time. Sensation as if ants were crawling on his legs, extremities go to sleep. Pain in the back, as if hot iron were thrust through the vertebrae. Lightning-like pains shooting to and fro in the back and abdomen. Sensation as if a cobweb were on the face, or as if the white of egg had dried on it –a prominent symptom of Alumina. Constipation due to paralysis of rectum. Ptosis and diplopia due paralysis of ciliary muscles. The esophagus feel contracted, food cannot pass. Feels as if splinter or plug were in throat. Throat is sore and dry.

CAUSTICUM—Unsteady walk and easily falling. Falling sideways or forward. Unsteady staggering gait.  Contraction in the instep, with tensive pain when stepping.  Paralytic feeling of tongue.

GELSEMIUM SEMPERVIRENS—Dullness , dizziness and drowsiness are the characteristic symptoms of Gelsemium . Lack of muscular co-ordination. Muscles refuse to obey the wills. Complete relaxation and prostration of the whole muscular system with mortor paralysis. Unsteady gait. Fatigue after slight exercise. Pain in sole of foot when walking. Excessive trembling and weakness of limbs.  Spasmodic contraction of toes.

HELODERMA---Staggering gait. Cock’s gait. When walking , lifts feet higher than usual and puts down heel hard. Feet cold as ice or burn. Sensation as if walking on sponge and as if feet were swollen. Numbness and trembling.

LATHYRUS SATIVUS---Heels do not touch the ground when walking. Gluteal muscles  and muscles of lower limbs are emaciated. Feet are dragged or put down suddenly and forcibly while walking. While luing down legs can be moved from side to side, but cannot be lifted. This remedy is effective in advanced conditions.

PHOSPHORUS. –Phosphorus is indicated when eye complaints are associated with ataxia. Atrophy of the optic nerve, with flushes of light. Dim vision, blurred vision and diplopia. Great nervous prostration. Trembling of hands while writing. Sharp pains in different parts of the body. Burning along the spine and in the extremities with formication.

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