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. 

Locally here in Philadelphia, Mr. Jay Armstrong runs a virtual support group via Zoom. Meeting dates for 2024 are as follows:

April 19th @ 11 am

June 21st @ 11 am

September 20th @ 11 am

November 22nd @ 11 am

December 20th @ 11 am

To access the meetings, please email Mr. Armstrong at <writeonfighton@gmail.com>

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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