Ataxia-telangiectasia is a rare, childhood neurological disorder that causes degeneration in the part of the brain that controls motor movements and speech. Its most unusual symptom is an acute sensitivity to ionizing radiation, such as X-rays or gamma-rays. The first signs of the disease, which include delayed development of motor skills, poor balance, and slurred speech, usually occur during the first decade of life. Telangiectasias (tiny, red "spider" veins), which appear in the corners of the eyes or on the surface of the ears and cheeks, are characteristic of the disease, but are not always present and generally do not appear in the first years of life. About 20% of those with A-T develop cancer, most frequently acute lymphocytic leukemia or lymphoma. Many individuals with A-T have a weakened immune system, making them susceptible to recurrent respiratory infections. Other features of the disease may include mild diabetes mellitus, premature graying of the hair, difficulty swallowing, and delayed physical and sexual development. Children with A-T usually have normal or above normal intelligence.
Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) Children's Project 668 South Military Trail Deerfield Beach, FL 33442-3023 Info@atcp.org http://www.atcp.org Tel: 954-481-6611 800-5-HELP-A-T (543-5728) Fax: 954-725-1153 |
Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) Medical Research Foundation 16224 Elisa Place Encino, CA 91436 atmrf@aol.com Tel: 818-906-2861 Fax: 818-906-2870 |
National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) 2600 Fernbrook Lane North Suite 119 Minneapolis, MN 55447-4752 naf@ataxia.org http://www.ataxia.org Tel: 763-553-0020 Fax: 763-553-0167 |
A-T Ease Foundation, Inc. 532 LaGuardia Place Suite 404 New York, NY 10012 info@ateasefoundation.org www.ateasefoundation.org Tel: 212-529-0622 Fax: 212-505-8031 |
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 1968 (55 Kenosia Avenue) Danbury, CT 06813-1968 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) Fax: 203-798-2291 |
National Cancer Institute (NCI) National Institutes of Health, DHHS 6116 Executive Boulevard, Ste. 3036A, MSC 8322 Bethesda, MD 20892-8322 cancergovstaff@mail.nih.gov http://cancer.gov Tel: 800-4-CANCER (422-6237) 800-332-8615 (TTY) |
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Last updated October 17, 2008