Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/friedreichataxia.html

Friedreich Ataxia

On this page

Basics

Learn More

See, Play and Learn

  • No links available

Research

Resources

For You

Summary

Friedreich ataxia is an inherited disease that damages your nervous system. The damage affects your spinal cord and the nerves that control muscle movement in your arms and legs. Symptoms usually begin between the ages of 5 and 15. The main symptom is ataxia, which means trouble coordinating movements. Specific symptoms include:

  • Difficulty walking
  • Muscle weakness
  • Speech problems
  • Involuntary eye movements
  • Scoliosis (curving of the spine to one side)
  • Heart palpitations, from the heart disease which can happen along with Friedreich ataxia

People with Friedreich ataxia usually need a wheelchair 15 to 20 years after symptoms first appear. In severe cases, people become incapacitated. There is no cure. You can treat symptoms with medicines, braces, surgery, and physical therapy.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Start Here

Diagnosis and Tests

Treatments and Therapies

Genetics

Clinical Trials

Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

Reference Desk

Find an Expert

Patient Handouts

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.