Guide To The Warning Signs Of Spinocerebellar Ataxia

Vision Problems

Vision problems can also be indicators of spinocerebellar ataxia. Patients often have decreased low contrast sensitivity. This is a vision problem that makes it difficult to see things at night or in other low lighting conditions. Stereoacuity, the ability to see dimensional differences or depth of objects, can also be affected. This can make even simple tasks, such as walking up stairs or pouring a glass of water, difficult and confusing.

Double or blurred vision is also a common vision symptom. These vision problems can sometimes be attributable to two common eye movement problems in this condition: nystagmus and distance esophoria. Nystagmus is the random, uncontrolled movement of the eyes. Distance esophoria is when an individual's eyes tend to move inwards when looking at something. In some cases, it can be the first and only symptom. Other symptoms may not be present in some individuals when severe vision problems occur.

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Poor Hand-Eye Coordination

Subtle changes in hand-eye coordination often mark the first stages of spinocerebellar ataxia. As the disease progresses, difficulties with this can become more severe. Poor hand-eye coordination can happen because of vision problems, physical difficulties with movement, cognitive impairment, or a combination of all of these. In most types of this condition, visuospatial memory has been affected. This is an individual's ability to remember things involving the distance of objects or the space between them. This can greatly affect hand-eye coordination when performing tasks that involve repetition or actions of physical movement.

Hand tremors are also fairly common and can contribute to poor hand-eye coordination. They are similar to those seen in Parkinson's disease. This symptom is often the first noticeable warning sign in children with certain types of spinocerebellar ataxia.

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