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News
FA Clinic in Brisbane is now open. This is a gathering of specialists in the one place that are all well informed of FA. For more information on the clinic and how to book in click here.
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One of our major sponsors is Compass Expeditions.
So if you are looking for a holiday with a difference then follow the link.
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Date: 21 - 22 May -
Photography Exhibition: Wesley Misson, Ann St, Brisbane Click on the image to read how sucessful this was.
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Documentary release:
Our documentary was released February 2010. This has been created to raise awareness. Click on the image to read more about it. 
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Go the TAN
February I pushed the wheelchair the 3.8kms around 'the TAN' - the botanic gardens in Melbourne to raise funds for FA research..
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Mick's Book
Mick is a special mate and was my driver for an overland I did through South America. He and 3 of his mates rode motorbikes from London to Vladivostok and raised alot of money. This is the story of that ride. Click on the picture for more info. |
Conditions Associated with Friedreichs Ataxia
Read this section with an open mind. FA'ers can be affected by only a few symptoms or many symptoms. The thing to remember is that most of the conditions listed here are treatable. I have cardiomyopathy and it requires regular check ups and awareness, apart from that life is fairly 'normal' for me.
Compliments of Friedreich's Ataxia Information Resource Committee (April 1999)
and Cummunication Skill Builders, a division of the Psychological Corp (1995)
SCOLOSIS
Scolosis in the upper thoracic spine may develop. The curvature of the spine occurs because the muscles on wither side of the spine are weak.
CARDIOMYOPATHY
Cardiomyopathy (weakness of the neart muscle) and abnormalities in heartbeat rhythms have been noted in a large percentage of FA'ers, with palpitations and dysponea (shortness of breath) being other symptoms. The cardiac involvement is readily detected by echocardiography and an electrocardiogram. To read more go to Frequently Asked Questions.
DIABETES MELLITUS
Diabetes mellitus, characterised by abnormally high blood and urinary sugar levels, is another condition that may affect people with FA. The usual symptoms are excessive thirst and passing a lot of urine. Regular check ups are advisable, and can be treated with diet, or insulin.
DYSARTHRIA
When we speak many muscles are active and there are a number of complex movements required for speech to be clear and precise. Dysarthria occurs when there is a problem with the brain that causes the muscle to grow weak, move slowly or to not move together. Speech becomes hard to understand and does not sound 'normal'. This condition is known as Dysarthria.
AUDITORY NEUROPATHY
Auditory Neuropathy is loosely known as "neural deafness" which causes some difficulty in distinguishing certain sounds and/or signals (i.e conversation) from noise.
OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF FA
- A peculiar foreshortening and high arching of the feet with cocoking up of the toes referred to as Friedreich's foot.
- There is an unusual combination of total absence of deep (tendon) reflexes with extensor plantar reflexes (Babinski sign).
- The hands and arms become affected making writing and manipulation tasks a challenge.
- Position and vibratory sensation may be impared due to involvement of the posterior columns.
- Breakdowns in vocal articulation, irregularities in pitch, loudness and other changes in voice quality such as speech muscle control.
- Nystagmus (jerky eye movements).
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