Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare, genetic disorder that affects the nervous system, immune system, and other body systems. It is characterized by progressive difficulty walking (ataxia), small red spots on the skin (telangiectasia), and an increased risk of cancer.
The condition was first described in the medical literature in 1919 by the German neurologist, Dr. Alexander von Mangoldt. The genetic cause of A-T was discovered in the 1960s, and it was found to be caused by mutations in the ATM gene, a gene involved in the regulation of cell division. Since then, researchers have made significant progress in understanding the function of the ATM gene and its role in the development of A-T.
Today, A-T is considered to be a well-characterized disorder with a wide range of symptoms that may vary from person to person. Diagnosis is typically based on clinical signs and symptoms, as well as genetic testing. Treatment options are available, but there is no cure for A-T.
In conclusion, we have known about ataxia-telangiectasia for over 100 years, but it was not until the 1960s that we began to understand the underlying genetic cause of the disorder. Despite advances in understanding the condition, there is still no cure for A-T.