What is Friedreich's ataxia?

Friedreich's ataxia is a rare inherited disease that causes nervous system damage and movement problems. It usually begins in childhood and leads to impaired muscle coordination (ataxia) that worsens over time. It is caused by a mutation (defect) in a gene labeled FXN (frataxin).

How do members experience Friedreich's ataxia?

Top 5 symptoms reported by people with Friedreich's ataxia*

*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.

Top treatments taken by people for Friedreich's ataxia*

Who has Friedreich's ataxia on PatientsLikeMe?

Age

Age Proportion # of patients
<20 3
20s 11
30s 31
40s 23
50s 20
60s 18
70+ 6

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 34
Female 74