Can Ataxia Be Cured? Treatments, Therapies, and Research

Ataxia is curable in some cases — particularly those caused by certain underlying health conditions. Inherited forms of ataxia caused by gene changes are lifelong, and they currently don’t have cures. Research is ongoing to find better therapies for ataxia.

This article will cover when ataxia may be curable and when it’s chronic, as well as treatment options that are available for ataxia based on the cause. We’ll also cover current research studies and how you can get involved.

When Can Ataxia Be Cured? About Acquired Ataxia

Most cases of ataxia are either acquired or inherited. Acquired ataxia can be temporary and curable in some instances. On the other hand, hereditary ataxias are chronic conditions, and doctors usually can only manage symptoms.

Acquired ataxia develops from an underlying health problem — like a vitamin deficiency or autoimmune condition. Treating the condition typically takes care of ataxia. You may have some minor signs and symptoms, but they should improve overall.

Ataxia Due to Infection

Ataxia caused by an infection — also called acute cerebellar ataxia — is most often triggered by a viral illness, though bacterial infections and, less commonly, vaccination can also cause it. This type of ataxia accounts for 50 percent to 60 percent of all cases of ataxia that develop suddenly in children. This complication is rare, and vaccinations have helped decrease rates over the years.

Some infections responsible for causing ataxia include:

• COVID-19
• Measles
• Chickenpox

Most children recover from acute cerebellar ataxia without treatment. More severe cases can cause lasting symptoms that are managed with medications and rehabilitation treatment for ataxia.

Gluten Ataxia

Gluten ataxia is a rare autoimmune condition caused by the body’s immune system overreacting to gluten. Part of this overreaction involves the immune system harming the cerebellum — the area of the brain responsible for movement and coordination.

The immune system recognizes invading bacteria and viruses through specific patterns. Sometimes, these patterns look similar to ones found on our own cells. In gluten ataxia, the immune system mistakes tissues in the cerebellum for foreign invaders and attacks them.

Ataxia Due to Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamins are necessary for many of your body’s functions — including movement and coordination. Low vitamin B12 levels can cause acquired ataxia.

Vitamin B12 is necessary for healthy nerve cell function. Low B12 levels can cause ataxia symptoms like difficulty walking and slurred speech. Numbness and tingling in your feet and hands are also common.

You can’t make vitamin B12 on your own, so it needs to come from your diet. It’s primarily found in animal products like eggs, meat, and fish. Fortified breads and cereals are also excellent sources of B12.

Vegetarians and vegans are more likely to have low vitamin B12 levels. Luckily, vitamin B12 deficiency is treatable with supplements and diet changes. Most cases are curable — however, if nerve damage has occurred before treatment starts, it’s possible to have lasting symptoms.

Ataxia Due to a Stroke

During a stroke, blood flow is cut off from the brain and leads to tissue damage. This may be due to a blood clot or a burst blood vessel.

Signs of a cerebellar stroke include poor balance and coordination, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and headache.

Some Types of Ataxia Can’t Be Cured

Ataxias due to inherited genetic disorders can’t be cured, but they can be managed long term.

Examples of hereditary ataxia that currently don’t have a cure include:

• Ataxia-telangiectasia
• Episodic ataxia
• Friedreich ataxia (FA)
• Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA)

Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency develops from changes in the TTPA gene. This gene provides instructions for making a protein the body needs to properly use vitamin E from food.

While this type of ataxia is managed with vitamin E supplementation, it can’t be fully cured. You’ll need to take vitamin E for the rest of your life. Although vitamin E is not U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved specifically for this type of ataxia, lifelong vitamin E supplementation is a standard and targeted treatment and can prevent disease progression.

Treatments To Cure Acquired Ataxias

Most types of acquired ataxia are treatable and even curable. However, even if the underlying cause of acquired ataxia is treated, it’s possible to have some lingering symptoms. This depends on how damaged the cerebellum is.

Acute Cerebellar Ataxia Treatment

In most cases, acute cerebellar ataxia resolves after the infection runs its course. Steroids and intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) treat inflammation that may make acute cerebellar ataxia symptoms worse. Some treatments are available to help the body fight infections.

Gluten Ataxia Treatment

Treatment for gluten ataxia requires following a strict gluten-free diet. You’ll need to be extra careful to avoid cross-contamination. Most symptoms should get better or stabilize after one year of being gluten-free.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency-Related Ataxia Treatment

For ataxia caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency, supplementation can treat and cure symptoms. There are many ways to supplement this vital nutrient:

• Eating more foods with vitamin B12, including eggs, meat, fish, and dairy products
• Taking oral supplements
• Using prescription nasal spray
• Getting vitamin B12 injections

Treating Strokes To Prevent Ataxia

Early stroke recognition and treatment are key to preventing long-term complications. Strokes caused by blood clots can be treated with a clot-busting medication. Some people can recover with few to no ataxia symptoms if there’s no damage to the cerebellum.

Hereditary Ataxia Treatments Manage Disease Symptoms

Most treatments for hereditary ataxias manage the symptoms — but they can’t address the genetic changes themselves. At this time, there’s only one medication available for hereditary ataxia.

The FDA approved the first treatment for Friedreich ataxia in 2023. Omaveloxolone (Skyclarys) treats adults and teenagers ages 16 and older who have FA.

Omaveloxolone works by stopping oxidative stress seen in people with FA. It specifically protects cells from damaging, unstable oxygen particles released from mitochondria — the tiny organs in cells that make energy.

In clinical trials, omaveloxolone improved energy levels and neurological function compared to a placebo (an inactive drug). While this medication can’t fully cure FA, it greatly improves the quality of life for those living with the disease.

Treating Ataxia With Vitamin E Deficiency

People with ataxia caused by a vitamin E deficiency need to take high doses of vitamin E for the rest of their lives. You can also add foods high in vitamin E to your diet, such as:

• Fortified cereals
• Oils, nuts, and seeds
• Leafy greens

Supportive Treatments for Ataxia

Supportive treatments for hereditary ataxia help address muscle weakness, motor skill problems, and lack of coordination. You may benefit from:

• Physical therapy (physiotherapy) — Strengthens muscles to improve walking and coordination
• Occupational therapy — Assists with daily tasks and use of equipment, like canes, walkers, and wheelchairs
• Speech therapy — Helps treat dysarthria (difficulties with speaking) and dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)

What Does Research Say About Treating and Curing Ataxia?

Doctors and researchers continue looking for new and better ways to treat ataxia. Many medications are being studied to manage and potentially cure ataxia. Examples of studies currently running include:

• Gene replacement therapies for FA
• Long-term studies looking at the effects of omaveloxolone
• Stem cell treatments for SCA3
• Antioxidants like coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E to protect the brain against inflammation

Clinical trials research new medications in large, controlled studies. They’re always recruiting people to join. If you’re interested in learning about clinical studies near you, ask your ataxia specialist.