The multifaceted nature of Friedreich ataxia: strategies for comprehensive patient care
Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is a complicated disease that affects the nervous system and creates many problems for patients and doctors. This narrative review looks at the complex nature of FA, highlighting its various health issues that often occur together and the importance of a complete approach to taking care of patients. We start by looking at how FA affects the nervous system. This includes problems like increasing difficulty in coordination, loss of feeling, and issues with thinking, as well as how these problems affect everyday life. In this narrative review we have also important heart problems that are often ignored, like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias. These issues can lead to serious health problems and even death in patients with FA. We also discussed about other health challenges related to hormones and muscles, especially diabetes and scoliosis, which make managing the disease more difficult. Moreover, how different systems work together and emphasize the need for a team approach in treating FA. The review shares information about ways to diagnose, monitor, and treat each health issue, highlighting the importance of customized care plans. Lastly, how living with FA affects people emotionally and socially, and how good support can make life better.
Authors
- Muhammad Liaquat Raza (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4487-5223)
- Mohadisa Asif Rawalia (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0549-7024)
- Hoor Zehra
- Zainab Fatima
Institutions
- Karachi Medical and Dental College (PK)
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (SA)
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (SA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Neurodegenerative Disease Management
- Published
- 2026-03-17
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1080/17582024.2026.2645501
- Primary Topic
- Genetic Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00