Precautions need to be taken to prevent inhaling fluids and secretions, as respiratory infections can be a problem. Because of poor muscle support, the spinal column may become abnormally curved. This condition is called scoliosis and is often the first sign of Friedreichs Ataxia. The most serious symptom of this disorder is cardiomyopathy. The muscles of the heart become gradually weakened causing irregularities in the heart rhythm.
Genes are the elements of the body's cells which are responsible for our physical characteristics.
The gene for hereditary ataxia is an abnormal gene. New genetic techniques have located the Friedreichs Ataxia gene, this gene has been amed X25 and is found on chromosome 9. Much research is needed if this problem can be fixed. There are two types of hereditary ataxia, dominant and recessive. Dominant ataxia is passed on as a dominant hereditary disease.