Ataxia telangiectasia

Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) (Boder-Sedgwick syndrome or Louis–Bar syndrome) is a rare, neurodegenerative, inherited disease that affects many parts of the body and causes severe disability. Ataxia refers to poor coordination and telangiectasia to small dilated blood vessels, both of which are hallmarks of the disease. The disease is characterized by hypersensitivity to x-rays and predisposition to lymphomas. A-T affects the cerebellum (the body's motor coordination control center) and also weakens the immune system in about 70% of the cases, leading to respiratory disorders and increased risk of cancer. It first appears in early childhood (the toddler stage) with symptoms such as lack of balance, slurred speech, and increased...