13. Juggling the Invisible Balls: Coordination Challenges in Friedreich’s Ataxia
Coordination issues are a mainstay of Friedreich’s Ataxia, fundamentally impacting the way individuals with the condition navigate their world. This aspect isn’t limited to the large, visible movements; it involves the subtle ways our body harmonizes its actions to complete tasks effortlessly.
In individuals with FRDA, these coordination difficulties usually stem from the atrophy of the nerves that link the brain and spinal cord, leading to miscommunication within the body’s command center. This can manifest as difficulty with tasks requiring precision, such as buttoning a shirt or using cutlery.
Unsteady gait is another common symptom of these coordination challenges. People with FRDA may walk with their feet wider apart than usual to maintain balance, causing a gait that appears clumsy or unstable. Over time, this can progress to the point where walking without assistance becomes impossible.
Interestingly, these coordination difficulties aren’t limited to voluntary movements alone. Involuntary eye movements, clinically referred to as nystagmus, can also be present in FRDA patients. It’s as if the body’s autopilot system has gone haywire, underscoring how deeply the disorder disrupts the nervous system’s functioning. (13)
