My brother has recently been diagnosed with cerabellum ataxia..we know that he will be in a wheelchair soon,?

but could you tell me if it affects your reflexes,as he doesnt put his arms out to save himself when he loses his balance, im so worried about him as he lives alone, and never likes to accept help, the doctors dont seem to know the answer to any of the questions he asks and he feels so alone, i dont know what 2 do 4 the best, please help....

when he falls, he DOESNT put his arms out, like he hasnt any reflexes, which we all find quite strange,

Sorry I don't know how to do the link only one of the answers has, if you get in contact with them they are very helpful there a several types of ataxia cerebellar and Friedrich's( spelling wrong) only I did voluntary work over 10years ago for it in the Midlands. We used to have meetings a small but very good group monthly, I have a Friend with 2 adult children with it and it is how I became involved, from what I remember it affects the co-ordination cause it affects the central nervous system, most will start off walking wobbly and the speech will gradually become slurred till it is difficult to understand the person, this can vary from person to person and also how quickly it becomes also depends on the person. PLEASE get in touch with the London office they are very helpful and you might find that there are others in your area who have it so you could make contact and it is good to talk to those who live with it and for those who care I wish I could be of more help God bless take care xxx

Its all very sad...But people on here can't do much to help.
Maybe you could move in with him to care for him.

It does affect your reflexes unfortunately. Your brother's doctor is obviously not being very helpful. Maybe he should try another doctor who will be able to answer his questions. Or contact a help group where there will be others in similar situations which may help you all.

Firstly, sorry to hear about the diagnosis.

While any condition can impair a person's abilities, it's important to focus on what they can do, and help them to get the most out of life. It's important to try and give him independance while he can, and not overdo things just yet.

I'd suggest that you contact an organisation such as this one... http://www.ataxia.org.uk/ to get information and support, and to get advice from people who have personal experience of dealing with the condition.

It's important to be as informed a possible so that both you and he can come to terms with his condition and how it may affect him.

Also remember to claim any disability benefits that he may be entitled to, such as Disability Living Allowance (call 08457 123456).

I hope that helps. Good luck.

Hello Fay, I am disabled myself suffering many problems including strokes and now kidney failure. I am sorry to heaar of the worries you have with your brother, beleive it or not a disabled person who has full upper mobility can do more deamage to themselves if they fall than a fully paralysed patient as a patient with upper body mobility will tense their body and put their hands out to stop the fall hence they re more likely to suffer fractures. A paralysed patieNT WILL fall VIRTUALLY LIKE A SACK OF PotatoeS and hardly InJURE THEMSELVES.

Cerebellar disorders have numerous causes, including congenital malformations, hereditary ataxias, and acquired disorders. Symptoms vary with cause but typically involve ataxia (an abnormal, wide-based gait due to impaired muscle coordination). Diagnosis is clinical and also often by imaging and sometimes genetic testing. Treatment is usually only supportive unless the cause is acquired and reversible.
Please see the web pages for more details on Cerebellar ataxia.

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