Friday, February, 10, 2012

Ataxia - telangiectasia

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Louis-Bar syndrome


Treatment

There is no specific treatment for ataxia-telangiectasia. Treatment is directed at specific symptoms.


Support Groups

Ataxia Telangiectasia Children's Project - www.atcp.org

National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) - www.ataxia.org


Expectations (prognosis)

Early death is common, but life expectancy varies.

Because persons with this condition are very sensitive to radiation, they should never be given radiation therapy, and no unnecessary x-rays should be done.


Complications
  • Cancer such as lymphoma
  • Diabetes
  • Kyphosis
  • Progressive movement disorder that leads to wheelchair use
  • Scoliosis
  • Severe, recurrent lung infections

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if your child develops symptoms of this disorder.


Review Date: 08/26/2009
Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section on Medical Genetics, Winston-Salem, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)