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A Tentative Classification of Recessively Inherited Ataxias

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

André Barbeau*
Affiliation:
Department of Neurobiology, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal
*
Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, 110 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H2W 1R7
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Abstract:

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We present a working classification of recessively inherited ataxic syndromes based on the use of simple tools available to every clinician: a good history (particularly pinpointing the age of onset) and a good neurological examination (simplified to the verification of the presence of ataxia, deep tendon reflexes in the knee, optic nerve, retinal and/or 8th nerve signs). In the three groups of disorders (non progressive, intermittent or progressive) patients can be hyper/normo reflexic, or they can be hypolareflexic. Six principal types of progressive ataxic disorders are further delineated by the age of onset. Sub-types depend on the presence or absence of eye and ear signs, whereas eponymic or regional denominations are used only for simplicity while awaiting exact delineation of the biochemical defects.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1982

References

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