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About A-T - Symptoms and Effects A  A  A

 
A-T first shows in early childhood, i.e. the toddler stage. The symptoms are poor balance, slurred speech and perhaps more than a normal number of infections. All children of this age take a little time to develop good walking skills, coherent speech and an effective immune system so it might be some years before A-T is diagnosed.
 
Children with A-T have a heightened risk of developing cancer, in particular leukaemia and lymphoma.
 
THE SYMPTOMS THE EFFECTS
Progressive loss of balance (ataxia) Probably reliant on a wheelchair by the age of 10 (some even earlier)
Prominent blood vessels, especially in the eyes (telangiectasia) None known
Loss of co-ordination/body tremors Slower reaction time. Cannot easily write, eat, or dress without help.
Inability to hold head erect Difficulties in breathing, swallowing and Communicating
Slurred speech (dysarthria) Speaking becomes a physical effort and conversation can be slow
Restricted eye movements Reading and following moving objects becomes difficult
Immune system problems Frequent chest infections, colds and pneumonia

 
 
You can download more detailed information about A-T and the related conditions, AOA1 & AOA2, from our publications page
 
 
Causes and Treatment 		 

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