Ask the Ataxia Expert with Dr. Schmahmann

Each month, NAF invites an expert to answer questions about Ataxia. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need to live better with Ataxia. This session featured Dr. Jeremy Schmahmann and took place on Thursday, September 9, 2021.
Dr. Schmahmann is Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and a Neurologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital where he is the Founding Director (1994) of the Ataxia Unit, Director of the Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, and a member of the Cognitive Behavioral Neurology Unit. His research and clinical practice focus on the neurology and basic science of the Ataxias and other cerebellar disorders and he pioneered the role of the cerebellum in cognition and emotion. neurology residency and movement disorder fellowship at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and is board certified in psychiatry and neurology.
Learn about the next Ask the Ataxia Expert session: www.ataxia.org/asktheexpert
Learn more about Ataxia: www.ataxia.org

[@williamwhyte505]

How can I possibly have a quality of life when I cannot walk, have no control of my side of my body, cannot write and many other things.
I have Privogen immunization every month, but it’s hard to live a meaningful life. I’ve had Ataxia for over seven years !!!

[@karennogare2549]

Look into gluten free diet. Look up vitamins for all brain support vitamin E, ginko biloba CoQ10 b3 crucial. I am determined to reverse it. I 55 years old Australia. I wish you best recovery. My legs and hands and feet affected. I researching I will start gluten free and vitamins giving myself 3 months

[@kristinataylorthriftingupn7127]

Hi. My husband has ataxia. Cerebellar Ataxia as a result to bacterial meningitis after a brain tumour resection in 2016. It has been degenerative and he is basically bed ridden as of October 2023.
Thanks for the information ❤

[@joely2121]

Thank you very much - this has been most interesting x

[@ggbrait7140]

Thank you !!!

[@petehalverson1151]

Thank you Dr. Schmahmann!

[@AD-zs3ey]

My mother has CANVA and it is progressing badly and she is 81 years of age.
The medical professionals in the UK are dosing her up with high strength pain relief and that's it... Nothing else. She is being told there is no cure and no other treatments.
For years I have been suggesting exercise, nutrition, supplements, tests, research etc but I am met with mistrust and aggression every time.
I have also asked for access to her medical records to understand what form of ataxia she has and what tests she has received. However again, I am met with mistrust and aggression. "What do you know? Do you think you know better than the doctors?"
I try to explain I am researching and trying to help but then she will become more aggressive and spin the conversations into something unconnected for an argument.
Personally I think as well as the CANVA she is addicted to the pain killers and just wants rest plus more and more of those, which they are giving her.
Please can someone help or advise?

[@Themedicobhas]

very helpful video

[@alkagupta9256]

Very helpful thanks

[@stevenkirkpatrick6248]

Thank you doctor

[@memelove3640]

I was dx with ataxia and I seem to be getting a little better over time I have not been able to do any of the therapy things such as speech therapy or physical therapy and I don't take any meds for any of the symptoms I just seen to be getting better but still can tell I have it some. just not getting worse like we thought 🤔 is that possible

[@vinodbajaj3708]

Pl may i know how to confirm a diagnosis of Ataxia?

[@parnamukherjee2334]

Awesome!

[@Sunheatgamz]

What is the treatment for ataxia? I suffer a lot for 3 years.

[@mehmoodurrehmanrehman1916]

Iam victom of spin cerebral atxia type 1 I have so many difficulties in life walking speaking no ballsing my body weight I offend fall down what I do exercise?

[@ahmedsearcher2741]

What is the cure for cerebellar ataxia?? I suffer a lot

[@memelove3640]

how is msa different from SCA?

[@anamariafernandezpabon822]

I am Epileptic (absences seizures) taking Lamotrigine for it and have Cerebellum Atrophy/ loosing memory, but not others symptoms yet.
One side effect of Lamotrigine is having problems with balance, coordination.
I want to know if the Lamotrigine med can harm the Cerebellum?
Thanks!

[@vinodbajaj3708]

Is stem cell transplant a good solution to improve Ataxia

[@Themedicobhas]

nice mam

[@riyousharma3808]

Will taxia be fully cured in future?

[@johnnymartinez727]

If you want to get rid of ataxia contact Dr Oyas for more information th-cam.com/channels/_P0bRMfTyX73HS0ncu0k1Q.html

[@johnnymartinez727]

Yes

[@ahmedsearcher2741]

What is the cure for cerebellar ataxia?? I suffer a lot

[@PoojaGupta-ql7wr]

I am suffering from 2 years

[@suhad4610]

My goal is to walk without using my hands

[@laurahelenhealy8156]

Hi did he say if he believes be a cure

[@markmartin2413]

Hey do you have ataxia, search for Dr nafuar on TH-cam he has herbal cure

[@surendrapardeshi4234]

@@markmartin2413 u have any link

[@surendrapardeshi4234]

@@markmartin2413 can't search thatswhy

[@markmartin2413]

@@surendrapardeshi4234 th-cam.com/video/2PrNKCqeu5c/w-d-xo.html

[@surendrapardeshi4234]

@@markmartin2413 thanks
It is genuine sir

[@marloncunanan8774]

I am