Friedreich ataxia
Definition
Friedreich ataxia (FA) is an inherited, progressive nervous system disorder causing loss of balance and coordination.
Description
Ataxia is a condition marked by impaired coordination. Friedreich ataxia is the most common inherited ataxia, affecting between 3,000–5,000 people in the United States.
Genetic profile
FA is an autosomal recessive disease, which means that two defective gene copies must be inherited to develop symptoms, one from each parent. A person with only one defective gene copy is called a carrier and will not show signs of FA, but has a 50% chance of passing along the gene to offspring with each pregnancy....
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