Early discovery of a disease such as Ataxia can help increase the chances of restoring normal bodily functions and recovering the lost abilities due to the disease. In case the disease is noticed in its early stages, the doctor would probably look for a treatable cause; in case the cause behind the progression of the disease is treatable, the doctor would prescribe medical treatments which would help recover the lost abilities and health conditions.
The doctor would conduct a physical exam and a neurological exam, these would include a vision check, balance coordination, and reflexes check. Further, here are a few tests that help increase the chances of early discovery of the disease and help recover primary functions.
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Imaging tests
An MRI of the brain would help in discovering possible causes. MRI can showcase shrinkage of the cerebellum and other brain parts. These tests might also help find treatable causes, such as a blood clot or a benign tumor.
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Lumbar Puncture
In such a test, a needle is inserted into the lower back between two vertebrae to funnel out a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. This fluid is then sent for testing to check out if any medical anomalies are present.
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Genetic Testing
A gene testing might help in determining whether a gene mutation has caused hereditary ataxic conditions. Gene tests are available for many variations of ATAXIA, but it’s not present for all types of hereditary ataxias.
Stem Cell Treatment for Ataxia
Mesenchymal Stem Cells have showcased promise in treating neurodegenerative diseases, according to a recent study conducted in Taiwan to primarily evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of intravenous administration of allogeneic adipose tissue from Mesenchymal cells from healthy donors. The subjects of the study were kept under close observation for 1 year. Their vital signs, blood count, serum biochemical profiles, and urinalysis. Rating of Ataxia and sensory organization testing scores, metabolite ratios on the brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the brain glucose metabolism of 18 fluorodeoxyglucose. No adverse events regarding the injection of Mesenchymal stem cells were observed during the one-year follow-up. The intravenous administration of Mesenchymal allogeneic cells were tolerated without an anomalies or hassles. Such research showcases hope for stem cell therapy to recover normal bodily functions and help improve prevalent conditions. But the effects of a treatment like this also depend upon how early the symptoms were noticed and brought under medical supervision. Early detection can increase the chances of full on recovery of lost motor abilities.
Therapies that can help in recovering motor abilities lost due to Ataxia.
- Physical therapy to help your coordination and enhance your mobility
- Occupational therapy helps in improving daily activities such as feeding yourself.
- Speech therapy in case speaking capabilities have been hampered due to Ataxia.
Adaptive devices can help you in case your everyday abilities are poorly hampered. Adaptive devices would help in increasing the ease of conducting everyday activities.
- Walking sticks for walking around and supporting yourself while on the move
- In case a patient suffers from difficulties in eating, doctors might recommend modified utensils for eating; these aid in reducing the movement of the affected muscle.
- Communication aids for help in speaking in case speaking abilities have been hampered would help in improving coordination as well as communication with the patient.
For stem cell treatments in India, Stem Cell Care India can provide you with the most prudent techniques of treatment; their alternative, as well as support therapies, can help in increasing the chances of your recovery. Their supportive therapies such as nutritional therapy can improve the chances of recovery in case of several diseases.