How to Spot Symptoms of Telangiectasia Ataxia

Telangiectasia Ataxia or Ataxia Telangiectasia as it is more commonly known is a very rare disease that affects the immune system, in particular the T-cell count in an individual. Those who have this disorder are far more likely to develop cancer and other serious diseases. There are dozens of ways an individual may exhibit signs of this condition ranging from poor motor skills to slowed growth. While not all symptoms can be spotted, there are some that you can keep an eye out for.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Look closely at the face to look for any signs of lesions on the mouth or skin. You should also look for enlarged blood vessels on the face, eyes or other parts of the body. These symptoms show that the condition has stopped the blood cells in the body from working to repair the area.
2. Pay attention to any signs of certain infections such as respiratory infections, bronchitis or pneumonia, especially any cases where the disease continues to come back. You may feel better and have the infection disappear, only to have it come back a few weeks or months later. This can be a sign of the condition.
3. Watch for any signs that may resemble a stroke such as slurred speech, favoring one side of the body or poor facial expressions. As the condition affects the immune system, it can make it hard for the body to respond as well as it once did. You may also notice some drooling without realizing that you’re doing it.
4. Keep an eye on motor skills as those with Telangiectasia Ataxia usually have poor motor skills and difficulty walking or standing. They may also experience problems doing several things at one time like walking to another room, picking something up and coming back. These are all signs of the condition.
5. Focus on how the individual develops throughout their life span. Individuals with Telangiectasia Ataxia usually develop at a slower rate than other children, which is the first sign of the disorder. They may be shorter than other children, skinnier or have problems keeping up with other children their own age.

Tips & Warnings

• For a complete list of all the symptoms associated with the disease, visit the Wrong Diagnosis website. They’ve compiled a full list of all 44 symptoms someone with the condition may experience.
• Some symptoms of Telangiectasia Ataxia are similar to symptoms found with other conditions including stroke or brain aneurysm. Share any concerns you have with a doctor who can determine the proper course of action.