Ataxia is defined as the lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements and affects a person’s gait (how a person walks). In patients with multiple sclerosis, this can be seen as clumsiness, unsteady gait, impaired eye, limb movements, and speech problems. There are many human body parts that are responsible for helping us make smooth and coordinated movements.
All of the movements we make involve some sort of interaction with brain signals that allow our nerves to signal for movement. However, if the nerves are damaged, there will be a delay in movement. Approximately, four out of five people with multiple sclerosis with develop some degree of ataxia during the progression the disease. Fortunately, studies have recently shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can now be used to help people with multiple sclerosis improve their walking ability and manage ataxia. While usually used for treatment resistant depression, the revolutionary TMS treatment shows promise as an Ataxia treatment when used in addition to rehabilitation and other disease management strategies.
In addition to lack of coordination or unsteady gait, the signs and symptoms of MS-related ataxia can vary from person to person and change over the progression of the disease. However, many of the symptoms are identical to multiple sclerosis. The Mayo Clinic states that some may include:
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Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs
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Partial or complete loss of vision (usually one eye at a time)
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Prolonged double vision
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Fatigue
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Tingling or pain in parts of your body
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Dizziness
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Problems with bowl and bladder function
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Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain neck movements
Generally, MS-related ataxia is treated with a combination of rehabilitation and ergonomic methods strategies that are focused on managing symptoms. TMS is a hopeful and drug-free option for MS-related ataxia patients to use in addition to a previously prescribed regimen.
In a pilot study of almost 40 patients with MS-related ataxia, results showed that after 12 sessions of TMS treatment and proper rehab over a 4-week period, patients showed significantly greater improvements on gait and balance control compared to those who only received standard rehab treatments. Dr. Hatem Samir Shehata, Professor of Neurology at Cairo University School of Medicine in Egypt presented his hopeful research findings at the 2017 Joint European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis-Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) Meeting. Patients who participated in the study proved that TMS treatment can help patients with MS-related ataxia but only if used in combination with a second type of treatment. However, further research is needed to truly understand the exact benefits of the use of TMS and determine if there are any unwanted side effects.
Prior to learning about possible treatments for MS-related ataxia, it’s important to understand the risk factors of multiple sclerosis since it really is an unpredictable disease. The Multiple Sclerosis Society states the following risk factors that may increase your risk of developing multiple sclerosis:
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Age- multiple sclerosis can occur at any age, but most common between ages 15 and 60
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Sex- Women are 50{2997f8544d703ffd995cbf0748d9148f9150b33c2eb54c93a5197645ffc3f066} more likely to develop multiple sclerosis
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Family history
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Certain infections
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Race- Caucasian people have a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis
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Climate- multiple sclerosis is more common in countries with temperate climates
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Certain autoimmune diseases- thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease put you at a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis
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Smoking
Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or risk factors.
If you’re looking for a drug-free treatment for depression, then contact TMS Neuro Institute. Dr. Musher is one of the earliest adopters in using transcranial magnetic stimulation. To schedule a consultation, call 888.823.4867 or book an appointment online here.