Ataxia May Be Treated With Deep Brain Stimulation And Exercise by Karishma Abhishek on February 28, 2021 at 11:36 PM Ataxia - a rare genetic neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive irreversible problems with movement, can be treated with a combination of deep brain stimulation (DBS) and exercise, especially in early-stage as per the scientists at Baylor College of Medicine and the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital published in the journal Nature Communications. Ataxia may lead to progressive ailments with movement, like impaired balance and coordination that affects the person's ability to walk, talk and use fine motor skills. It is predominantly due to the dysfunction of the cerebellum - a major motor center in the brain responsible for coordination. At present, the treatment options for ataxia are limited with a survival rate of 15 to 20 years.