A Note on Genetic Testing

Genetic tests are available for only some types of hereditary ataxia. A person with ataxia may still have hereditary ataxia even if the results of genetic tests are negative. The pattern of incidence of ataxia in the family may predict the mode of inheritance. 

Genetic testing can be helpful for people who do not yet have ataxia but are at risk due to family history. However, genetic counseling should always be done before genetic testing as results of the tests may affect important life decisions, such as whether to have children.  Genetic counseling and genetic testing are particularly useful in patients with recessive ataxias; if one parent has ataxia and the status of the other parent is not known, genetic testing will determine if the unaffected parent is a carrier of the gene.   If the unaffected parent is not a carrier, then there is no chance of transmitting the disease to the children.