No one should go undiagnosed. You can help end slow ataxia diagnosis by walking a copy of the Ataxia UK medical guidelines to your local GP surgery this autumn.
You can also take part virtually by covering the distance to your nearest GP at home and emailing them a copy of the guidelines.
Alternatively, you can make a donation, which will help raise awareness and bring about a speedier ataxia diagnosis.
Or read on to find out more below...
Due to its rare nature, many medical professionals are unaware of ataxia, or how it's diagnosed.
It took over a decade to diagnose Tallulah with Oculomotor Apraxia Type 2. Her slow diagnosis led her to develop mental health issues and feelings of self-doubt.
These stories are not an exception.
There are over 10,500 adults & children in the UK with Ataxia.
reported to have seen three medical professionals before being diagnosed
reported that it took over 2 years to be diagnosed and some still were unknown of the cause
reported that they were not given information about their diagnosis
This survey is based on 100 responses conducted by Ataxia UK in 2020.
As of 2022 there are thousands of GP surgeries without a copy of our medical guidelines
“I found the Guidelines very comprehensive and useful. As a GP, I will definitely be referring to them in the future. It’s good to have the summary too. Having guidelines for children with ataxia is also helpful.”
– Meryem Kaya, GP
Browse our interactive map to find a GP surgery without a copy of our guidelines.
Your participation can help someone receive a speedier ataxia diagnosis.
The number of GP surgeries in the UK that have received a copy of our Guidelines during IAAD 2021.
The number of GP surgeries in the UK that are yet to receive a copy of Ataxia UK's Guidelines.
* Please note, these are estimated numbers based on information available from public sources, including NHS England, NHS Scotland and Health & Social Care Northern Ireland.
Have you previously given a copy of the Medical Guidelines to your GP?
Please contact us at: communications@ataxia.org.uk with the location of the surgery, and we'll update our records and map.
So, how can you help us change all of this, you ask? Easily – in just two simple steps.
1. Sign up for the challenge and we will send you an information pack with the medical guidelines.
2. Get sponsored to walk, wheel, run or simply cover the distance to your local GP surgery around 25th September to share the Medical Guidelines. You can take part with family and friends, or fly solo.
