Achieve Optimal Health with ATAXIA

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Vitamin B12 is vital for:

• Protecting nerve coverings (myelin)
   
• Supporting nerve signal transmission
   
• Maintaining balance and coordination
   

When B12 levels are low, nerve signals slow or fail, causing:

• Unsteady or wide-based walking
   
• Poor balance
   
• Clumsiness or coordination problems
   
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
   

Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty walking or frequent falls
   
• Loss of position sense (not knowing where feet are)
   
• Weakness or stiffness
   
• Numbness or pins and needles
   
• Fatigue
   
• Memory or concentration problems
   

Symptoms often develop gradually.

People at higher risk include:

• Older adults
   
• People with digestive conditions affecting absorption
   
• Those who have had stomach or bowel surgery
   
• People following strict vegan diets without supplementation
   
• Long-term use of certain medications (e.g. metformin, acid-reducing drugs)
   

Diagnosis is usually made with:

• Blood tests for B12 levels
   
• Sometimes additional tests to confirm deficiency
   

Early testing is important if ataxia symptoms are present.

Treatment may include:

• Vitamin B12 injections
   
• High-dose oral B12 supplements (in some cases)
   
• Treating the underlying cause of deficiency
   

Treatment is often simple and effective.

Yes. With treatment:

• Symptoms may partially or fully improve
   
• Progression usually stops
   
• Early treatment gives the best results
   

Delays can lead to permanent nerve damage.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a treatable cause of ataxia.
Early diagnosis and treatment can reverse symptoms, stop progression, and prevent permanent damage.

If ataxia symptoms are present, B12 levels should always be checked.

Vitamin E deficiency is a rare but important and potentially treatable cause of ataxia.
Vitamin E helps protect nerve cells from damage. When levels are low, the nervous system—especially pathways involved in balance and coordination—can be affected.

Early diagnosis and treatment can stop progression and may lead to partial or significant improvement.

Vitamin E:

• Protects nerves from oxidative damage
   
• Supports normal nerve signalling
   
• Helps maintain balance and coordination
   

Low levels can damage nerves in the cerebellum and spinal cord, leading to coordination and walking problems.

Symptoms may include:

• Unsteady or wide-based walking
   
• Poor balance and coordination
   
• Clumsiness or difficulty with fine motor tasks
   
• Muscle weakness or stiffness
   
• Reduced sensation or numbness
   
• Vision problems (in some cases)
   

Symptoms usually develop gradually.

Vitamin E deficiency is more likely in people with:

• Fat malabsorption conditions
   
• Certain genetic disorders affecting vitamin E absorption
   
• Chronic liver or pancreatic disease
   
• Long-standing digestive disorders
   

Diet alone is rarely the cause unless absorption is impaired.

Diagnosis involves:

• Blood tests to measure vitamin E levels
   
• Assessment for underlying absorption problems
   

Vitamin E should be checked when ataxia has no clear cause.

Treatment may include:

• High-dose vitamin E supplementation
   
• Treating the underlying absorption disorder
   
• Ongoing monitoring of vitamin levels
   

Treatment is guided by a healthcare professional.

Yes. With early treatment:

• Symptoms may improve partially or fully
   
• Progression usually stops
   
• Further nerve damage can be prevented
   

Delayed treatment increases the risk of permanent nerve injury.

Vitamin E deficiency is a treatable cause of ataxia.
Early testing and supplementation can halt progression, protect the nervous system, and improve quality of life.

Vitamin E levels should always be considered during ataxia assessment.

Severe malnutrition or problems absorbing nutrients can be a serious and potentially treatable cause of ataxia.
The brain and nerves rely on a steady supply of essential vitamins, minerals, and energy. When these are lacking, nerve damage and coordination problems can develop.

Early recognition and treatment can prevent permanent damage and may lead to significant improvement.

Nutrients are essential for:

• Nerve signal transmission
   
• Protecting nerve coverings (myelin)
   
• Muscle control and balance
   
• Brain energy and function
   

When the body cannot absorb or receive enough nutrients, nerves—especially those involved in balance and coordination—may become damaged.

Deficiencies that may cause ataxia include:

• Vitamin B12
   
• Vitamin E
   
• Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
   
• Folate
   
• Other essential vitamins and minerals
   

Multiple deficiencies often occur together in malnutrition.

These may include:

• Digestive or bowel disorders (e.g. coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease)
   
• Chronic diarrhoea or vomiting
   
• Previous stomach or bowel surgery
   
• Long-term alcohol use
   
• Eating disorders
   
• Severe illness or frailty
   
• Pancreatic or liver disease
   

Even with a normal diet, absorption problems can lead to deficiency.

Symptoms may include:

• Unsteady or wide-based walking
   
• Poor balance and coordination
   
• Weakness or stiffness
   
• Numbness or tingling
   
• Fatigue
   
• Cognitive or memory difficulties
   

Symptoms often develop gradually but can worsen if untreated.

Assessment may involve:

• Blood tests for vitamin and nutrient levels
   
• Tests for absorption or digestive disorders
   
• Nutritional assessment
   
• Review of diet, weight changes, and medical history
   

Early testing is essential when ataxia has no clear cause.

Treatment focuses on:

• Replacing missing vitamins and nutrients
   
• Treating the underlying absorption problem
   
• Nutritional support or supplements
   
• Ongoing monitoring and follow-up
   

With treatment, progression often stops.

Yes. When treated early:

• Symptoms may partially or fully improve
   
• Further nerve damage can be prevented
   
• Balance and coordination may stabilise
   

Delayed treatment increases the risk of permanent nerve injury.

Severe malnutrition or absorption problems are important and treatable causes of ataxia.
Early diagnosis and nutritional treatment can halt progression, protect the brain and nerves, and improve quality of life.

Nutritional causes should always be considered when assessing ataxia.