The ataxia program is location in the Comprehensive Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Clinic in the Kirklin Clinic at UAB Hospital.
Photography: Steve WoodThe ataxia program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham has been named an Ataxia Center of Excellence by the National Ataxia Foundation. The Comprehensive Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Clinic that houses the program is located at the Kirklin Clinic at UAB Hospital.
Ataxia is an umbrella term for disorders involving the cerebellum, the part of the brain that coordinates movement, and includes a wide range of neurological disorders due to autoimmune, genetic and neurodegenerative causes, among others. Ataxia disorders can cause serious and debilitating complications.
“The first step for developing treatment plans to improve one’s quality of life is determining the specific cause of ataxia for a person,” said Talene Yacoubian, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the UAB Department of Neurology and director of the UAB ataxia program. “This is no small task as there are hundreds of different causes of ataxia. Our program takes a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to identifying the cause and then tailors care for each ataxia patient.”
The UAB ataxia program includes neurologists from the UAB Division of Movement Disorders who specialize in the full range of movement disorders, including ataxia.
“This designation is a way to connect ataxia patients to a movement disorders specialist who can provide comprehensive, specialized care while working with a multidisciplinary team,” said Marissa Dean, M.D., assistant professor in the UAB Department of Neurology and co-director of the program.
To make an appointment at the Neurology Clinic, call 205-801-8986.
The NAF designation is awarded to regional centers providing comprehensive care and services for individuals affected by ataxia and their families. Additionally, the centers are expected to engage in clinical research and/or trials.
The Neurology Clinic offers comprehensive diagnostic services and a range of treatment approaches. Treatment options include medications, physical, occupational and speech therapy, deep brain stimulation surgery, neuropsychological evaluations and treatment, and clinical trials testing new medical and surgical therapies.
To make an appointment at the Neurology Clinic, call 205-801-8986.