Friedreich's Ataxia (Noun)
Meaning
Sclerosis of the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord; characterized by muscular weakness and abnormal gait; occurs in children.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Friedreich's ataxia is a rare inherited disease that causes progressive nervous system damage and affects the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and the brain.
- The primary signs of Friedreich's ataxia are gait disturbance and loss of coordination, which are closely linked to the sclerosis of the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord.
- On average, symptoms of Friedreich's ataxia appear in children between the ages of 5 and 15, leading to an abnormal gait and increasing weakness.
- Since Friedreich's ataxia is an autosomal recessive inherited disease, individuals with family members who have had the condition are at a higher risk of having it, especially if their siblings have the disease.
- Friedreich's ataxia leads to various complications, such as hearing loss, vision disturbances, and heart problems, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.