Friedreich ataxia

…most common of these is Friedreich ataxia, named after the German neurologist Nicholaus Friedreich. During the first three to five years of life, only a few physical deformities (e.g., hammertoe) may be present. During adolescence, the gait becomes progressively unsteady—frequently interpreted as clumsiness. The unsteadiness further progresses to a broad-based,…

…iron homeostasis is present in Friedreich ataxia, while copper metabolism is abnormal in Wilson disease. The respiratory chain is affected secondarily in these conditions. Mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction also has been theorized to play a role in more common neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease,

Friedreich ataxia, the prototypical spinocerebellar degeneration disorder, affects the optic nerves, dorsal columns, corticospinal tracts, and cerebellum. Peripheral neuropathy, skeletal deformities, high-arched feet, and rotation of the spine (scoliosis) also may occur.