About Ataxia
There is not yet a known cure for spinocerebellar ataxia, however, there is evidence-based care that can help patients improve physical functioning and optimize quality of life. There is ongoing research into treatments that can cure or slow the progression of ataxia. There are some medications available that can treat certain symptoms of ataxia.
The mainstay of symptom management for ataxia is through a combination of physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Here at the Penn Ataxia Center, we are very excited to be able to offer patients and families the opportunity to meet with these therapy services and the additional support of social work and clinical research coordinators in one comprehensive visit day.
For more information about ataxia, please visit the National Ataxia Foundation website.
If you are interested in learning more about brain banking, the National Ataxia Foundation has reinstated their brain banking program as of 2026:
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Bill Nye the Science Guy recently was featured on Good Morning America and provided a great explainer on ataxia:
Bill Nye discusses rare neurological condition ataxia - Good Morning America
Mr.Nye was also featured in the American Academy of Neurology's Brain Health Magazine about his advocacy for ataxia and family story:
Bill Nye is turning family history into ataxia advocacy | BrainHealth.com
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Radiolab has a 2026 episode dedicated to the cerebellum, which includes an interview with one of the world's experts on cerebellar ataxia: