What are the factors involved in the diagnosis of ataxia?
The diagnosis of ataxia requires a careful number of tests to determine the nature of the patient's balance disorder and determine whether it is a primary health problem or a symptom of another health condition. Testing may include interviews with the patient, collecting body fluids and a medical imaging study to learn more. GPs usually refer to their patients to a neurologist as soon as they have ruled out the obvious causes of ataxia and the patient clearly needs more advanced treatment. Understanding the condition is important for appropriate treatment recommendations. People will be asked to describe the symptoms and formula of the onset, and can also discuss family history and also whether they use alcohol or medicines. Sometimes the patient is on treatment that is known to cause balance problems, for example, in this case, the Be necessary may not be necessary. This information may need to be repeated for several doctors' providers and can help write it in a comprehensive document.
Blood and urine samples can be taken to control exposure to toxins and other potential factors in the diagnosis of ataxia. If it seems normal, lumber may be required to collect the cerebrospinal fluid sample. Brain and spinal cord display can also provide insight into the patient's condition, as well as the nerve lines study to check problems with the peripheral nervous system. The test results can be combined to eliminate the potential causes or types of ataxia or categorically identify a specific condition.
In some cases, genetic testing can be recommended in the diagnosis of ataxia. Some forms of ataxia are genetic and other genetic disorders can cause balance problems, among other symptoms. Testing may show up the patient bear harmful genes that could cause a problem. For example, ataxic patients with a family history of balance disorders associated with the positive results of genetic testsThey have familial ataxia.
treatment options after diagnosis of ataxia may depend on the cause. Some patients may receive supportive care such as physical therapy, mobility aids and help with the tasks of life like bathing. Others can benefit from surgery or drugs to treat ataxia or the basic cause. If this is due to the environmental exposure to toxin, cleaning the location or carrying protection at work in this environment in the future, the patient could help the patient stabilize. Once the patient has a diagnosis, he can help seek an expert familiar with this specific form of ataxia to obtain the most treatment options.