What is Friedreich’s Ataxia?

Friedreich’s ataxia is a congenital familia (inherited) disease that affects the nervous system, resulting in problems with speech, balance and coordination.

Friedreich’s ataxia is primarily caused by the pathogenic degeneration of nerve tissue in the spinal cord, and sensory neurons requied for directing muscle movement of the arms and legs. The spinal cord becomes thinner and nerve cells lose some of their myelin sheath (the insulating covering on some nerve cells that helps conduct nerve impulses). This results in a slowing down of the nerve impulse (messages).