[Hereditary ataxias]

The hereditary ataxias form a large, complex group of entities whose recognition is essential for correct genetic assessment, satisfactory clinical control and in some cases a suitable therapeutic approach. The clinico-semiological variety and advances in molecular biology have made the hereditary ataxias one of the most interesting subjects in neurology. In this paper our objective is to classify the clinical approach of the hereditary ataxias and define the different conditions known so as to orientate complementary investigations and thus obtain the correct diagnosis.

We analyze and classify them, according to their mode of presentation, as congenital (in general nonprogressive) and progressive. Both groups are then divided according to how they are inherited and we also include the specific molecular findings.