Can ataxia sufferers still use their arms?

[mandyweight]

[HarryB Administrator]

Hi Mandy

Yes of course but often not as well particularly because of coordination problems. Why do you ask? Are you or somebody you know having problems with your arms?

Best Wishes

Harriet

[mandyweight in reply to HarryB]

Hi Harrriet, I just feel sorry for myself thats all. how long have you had Ataxia? I have CA type unknown, diagnosed 4 years ago. x

[HarryB Administrator in reply to mandyweight]

Hi Mandy

I am the same as you in that I have CA type unknown only mine was diagnosed over 20 years ago. I am 37 now.

I hope the better weather improves your spirits. I know we have had a pretty wet week but hopefully the next will be much better!

Harriet

[mandyweight in reply to HarryB]

Hi Harry, I have only had CA for 4 years and am still getting used to it!!! I hate this friggin weather but never mind, bumole, should improve I suppose, Mandy x

[twinkle2508]

hi

yes I can still use my arms but with limitations I.E I can't carry a litre bottle of lemonade/ any other heavy item without suffering from aching muscles and stiff joints.

helen

[mandyweight in reply to twinkle2508]

Thanks for the reply. x

[Katilea]

Ataxia usually affects fine motor skills (like using fingers to type) more than gross motor, though intention tremor or jerky movements can make it difficult to also do gross motor tasks such as self propelling a wheelchair, putting on clothes.

Medications often relieve the symptoms without solving the root of the cause and though not always possible to eliminate or 'cure' completely, some methods can help motor control quite significantly for some people.

The other year I was getting powered chair from NHS with full seating support, special controller on chair to grip, reclining seat as couldn't sit long without it sending back muscles into spasms. After extensive research I came across a study into involuntary movements (such as tremor) in parkinsons patients..symptoms similar to what you get with ataxia..ie tremor, jerky un-cordinated movements (same area of brain just different thing causing it) and took up a passive training routine. It has significantly helped my co-ordination.

I still get involuntary movements (known as Dyskinesia) but not to the extent that I have lost functional control of my arms. I can still dress and feed myself, live independently. I can manage some cooking easier again. I still use wheelchair, am still deaf and still have speech problems so its not a miracle worker, but it's made enough of a difference that I can continue to manage independently at least in my own specially adapted home. (with the help of my dogs who I've trained myself to help me with tasks). You have to keep it up though to maintain the level of improvement. It's still a constant battle for control but you're not having to deal with complications of side effects of drugs which get less effective the longer you are on them whilst causing other issues such as depression.

[mandyweight in reply to Katilea]

What training do you do?