PLEASE HELP: How common is genetic testing if I want to get it done in Canada for a hereditary brain disease?

My mom has severe Ataxia of the cerebellum, where her motor skills are bad and she has no balance so she cant walk. My brother has showed signs of the disease ,so has my maternal aunt's daughter and maternal uncle's son. I havent showed big signs but feel my balance going awry a bit. I know the gene that causes the specific ataxia can be identified and also noted in offspring of a family line. I would like to get genetic testing done to see where I stand. I would appreciate humbly any or all help in this matter, as I cant find information anywhere.

I suggest you visit http://www.ataxia.org/. This is the national ataxia foundation in the US and you should be able to find a lot of info here if you haven't already. In terms of testing, there are plenty of places where you can get the testing done depending on the specific gene in your family. You can visit www.genetests.org to find a lab that tests for your specific gene. University of Washington in Seattle, WA has a fantastic ataxia clinic, and so does Baylor college of medicine in Houston, TX. Goog luck to you.

Personally, I would want to know, simply so that I can be prepared, can have investigated all of the possible sources of both medical and practical help. Since you are absolutely certain that you want to know, talk with your gp and ask to be referred to a geneticist.