Ataxia is a neurological disorder that affects the body’s ability to coordinate movement, posture, and balance. It is typically caused by damage to the cerebellum, a part of the brain that controls movement. There are several forms of ataxia, and the mode of inheritance can vary depending on the type.
Ataxia can be inherited in an autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, X-linked dominant, or X-linked recessive pattern. Autosomal recessive ataxia, the most common form, is caused by mutations in two copies of a gene. Autosomal dominant ataxia is caused by a mutation in a single copy of a gene. X-linked dominant ataxia is caused by a mutation in the X chromosome, and X-linked recessive ataxia is caused by a mutation in two copies of a gene on the X chromosome.
In addition, some forms of ataxia can be caused by environmental factors, such as toxins or drugs, and are not inherited. It is also possible for ataxia to occur sporadically, without any family history or genetic mutation.
In conclusion, the mode of inheritance of ataxia can vary depending on the type. It can be inherited in an autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, X-linked dominant, or X-linked recessive pattern, or it can be caused by environmental factors, or occur sporadically.