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Ataxia - telangiectasia

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Louis-Bar syndrome

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for ataxia-telangiectasia. Treatment is directed at specific symptoms.

Support Groups:

Ataxia Telangiectasia Children's Project - www.atcp.org

National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) - www.ataxia.org

Expectations (prognosis):

Early death is common, but life expectancy varies.

Because persons with this condition are very sensitive to radiation, they should never be given radiation therapy, and no unnecessary x-rays should be done.

Complications:

• Cancer such as lymphoma
• Diabetes
• Kyphosis
• Progressive movement disorder that leads to wheelchair use
• Scoliosis
• Severe, recurrent lung infections

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if signs or symptoms of the disease are present.

• Review Date: 7/1/2007
• Reviewed By: Brian Kirmse, MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of HumanGenetics, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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