Friedreich's Ataxia

Friedreich's ataxia is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder. Clinical manifestations are neurological dysfunction, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes mellitus. It is a progressive disorder and patients become wheelchair-bound approximately 10–12 years after onset. Balance difficulties, bone deformities, progressive ataxia, and neuropathy are early signs. Genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis. There are no specific treatments, and management of the disease remains symptomatic and palliative.