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 4
20s 41
30s 44
40s 39
50s 36
60s 24
70+ 14

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 54
Female 122