Canvas ataxia is a neurological syndrome where the term CANVAs stands for Cerebellar Ataxia (CA), Neuropathy, and Vestibular Areflexia Syndrome. It exhibits symptoms that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves and is commonly seen in adults above the age of 50. Though rare, canvas ataxia progresses over the years after diagnosis, worsening in about ten years or more. However, canvas ataxia syndrome affects everyone differently and also depends on the type of the condition.

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Different types of the canvas ataxia syndrome

There are mainly three types associated with canvas ataxia. This includes:

Cerebellar Ataxia

The muscle coordination of the human body is controlled by a specific part of the brain called the cerebellum. Cerebellar ataxia is the problem associated with muscle control when the cerebellum is impaired by certain factors.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy occurs when the nerves of the body are affected by a disease or a specific problem. There are different types of neuropathy, such as:

• Sensory neuropathy affects the nerves associated with touch, pain, temperature, pressure, etc.
• Motor neuropathy is where the nerves that control muscles and movement are affected.
• Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that control the functional ability of the internal organs.

Vestibular Areflexia

The overall balance of the body is regulated by the vestibular system in the inner part of the ear. When the reflexes of the vestibular system that controls balance (for example, the way the eyes can still focus when the head is moving) are affected, then it is known as vestibular areflexia.

Causes of canvas ataxia

Canvas ataxia is one among those syndromes that are still under research and study. Only 5 in a million people are diagnosed with this condition.

The factors that cause the syndrome are not yet verified, and recent studies have shown that there were cases of canvas ataxia that run in families along with genetic mutations in certain families affected by the syndrome.

There has been no clarity yet on the cause of the mutation and how it results in the canvas ataxia syndrome.

Symptoms of canvas ataxia syndrome

Symptoms caused by canvas ataxia can be observed in all three types affected by the disease. This includes:

Symptoms associated with cerebellar ataxia:

• Difficulty walking followed by imbalance
• Issues while doing things such as eating, writing, or picking up things
• Speech difficulties
• Rapid movement of the eye
• Difficulty with swallowing food

Symptoms associated with neuropathy:

• chronic cough
• Weakness in the muscles
• Unusual or abnormal pain with no specific reason
• Numbness or pain in the hands and feet
• Sensations similar to burns or electric shocks while coming in contact with different things.
• Difficulty while swallowing food
• Imbalance and feeling dizzy
• Cool sensation on the feet with increased sweating
• Dry mouth or eyes
• Erectile dysfunction

Symptoms associated with vestibular areflexia:

• Losing control over balance and not being steady while walking or running
• Feeling dizzy
• Blurry vision during movement
• Difficulty in the dark, especially while on uneven or moving surfaces

The intensity of the syndrome is usually worse in people when all three types are present simultaneously.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of canvas ataxia is quite difficult unless there are symptoms associated with all three types of the syndrome.

The symptoms have to be specific for better analysis, and the doctor may require the medical history of the individual under-diagnosis. Usually, the symptoms of one or two types might show up, and it might take years for the symptoms of the third type to show.

A physical and neurological examination may be required, along with balance tests, vestibular function tests, nerve conduction tests, and magnetic resonance imaging. A speech assessment test and genetic testing may also be required to rule out other possibilities of the symptoms.

Treatment

Though no treatments have been developed for canvas ataxia yet, the symptoms can be managed using methods that prevent the worsening of the condition. This includes:

• Managing the sudden drop in blood pressure by avoiding factors that contribute to it, wearing compression stockings, staying hydrated, and taking prescription steroids for regulating blood pressure.
• Handling issues related to swallowing with the help of speech-language pathologists and eating foods of particular consistency and texture along with proper positioning of the head.
• Exercise therapy such as vestibular rehabilitation for imbalance. Neurological physiotherapy along with assessment with an occupational therapist may also be recommended by the doctor.