Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare, inherited condition that starts in childhood and affects many body systems. It is caused by harmful changes in both copies of the ATM gene. ATM is a “guardian” protein that helps cells pause the cell cycle and repair broken DNA strands. When ATM does not work, cells cannot repair DNA damage well. Over time this leads to brain coordination problems (ataxia), small widened blood vessels on the eyes and skin (telangiectasia), immune weakness with frequent chest and sinus infections, a high risk of certain cancers (especially leukemias and lymphomas), and unusual sensitivity to ionizing radiation from X-rays and some cancer drugs. There is no cure yet. Treatment focuses on preventing complications, supporting breathing and swallowing, protecting nutrition and immunity, and adapting daily function.
Ataxia-telangiectasia is a rare, inherited, progressive condition that affects many body systems. The word “ataxia” means poor balance and coordination. The word “telangiectasia” means tiny, widened blood vessels that look like red “spider veins,” often seen on the whites of the eyes and sometimes on sun-exposed skin. A-T usually starts in early childhood (often before age 5) with clumsiness, frequent falls, and slurred speech, and later brings eye-movement problems, immune system weakness with frequent infections, and a higher risk of certain cancers (especially leukemias and lymphomas). People with A-T are also unusually sensitive to medical radiation (like x-rays). The condition is caused by harmful changes (variants) in a DNA-repair gene called ATM and is passed down in an autosomal recessive pattern (a child inherits one non-working copy from each parent). There is no single cure, but supportive care—like physical and speech therapy, infection prevention, and careful cancer surveillance—can improve quality of life. NINDS+3MedlinePlus+3BioMed Central+3
Other names
A-T is also known as Louis-Bar syndrome, ataxia-telangiectasia syndrome, and cerebello-oculocutaneous telangiectasia. These names all refer to the same condition. MedlinePlus+1
Types
Classic A-T. This is the more common and more severe form, with early childhood onset of balance problems, eye-movement difficulties, visible telangiectasias, immune problems, and higher cancer risk. Blood levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) are often elevated. BioMed Central+1
Variant (milder/late-onset) A-T. This form usually results from hypomorphic (partially working) ATM variants. Symptoms can appear later and progress more slowly. People may still develop movement disorders and wheelchair needs over time, but they may have fewer growth issues and less obvious eye changes. Because it can look different, diagnosis is often delayed. PM&R KnowledgeNow+1
(Note: Clinicians also describe immunologic “sub-phenotypes,” like hyper-IgM A-T, which can carry different infection risks and outcomes.) ScienceDirect+1
Causes
The only root cause of A-T is having two harmful changes in the ATM gene (one from each parent). ATM makes a protein that senses DNA damage and helps repair it. When ATM does not work, cells accumulate damage, especially in the cerebellum (balance center), the immune system, and developing lymphocytes. Below are 20 short “cause-level” explanations—first the true genetic mechanisms, then common modifiers that do not cause A-T by themselves but can worsen health in someone who already has A-T.
Genetic mechanisms (what directly causes A-T):
Biallelic loss-of-function ATM variants (nonsense/frameshift) that stop the protein from being made. BioMed Central
Missense ATM variants that alter the protein’s structure so it works poorly. BioMed Central
Splice-site variants that disrupt how the ATM message is assembled. MedlinePlus
Large deletions/duplications (copy-number variants) that remove or duplicate big sections of ATM. preventiongenetics.com
Promoter/regulatory variants that reduce ATM expression. (Described in genetic series and functional studies.) ScienceDirect
Hypomorphic (partially active) variants causing variant A-T with later or milder symptoms. NCBI
Compound heterozygosity (two different harmful variants, one on each ATM copy). NCBI
Founder variants in specific populations (same mutation shared within a community). atlasgeneticsoncology.org
ATM kinase activity loss as the common final pathway (even if protein is present). BioMed Central
DNA double-strand break repair failure as the core cellular defect that explains neurodegeneration, immunodeficiency, and cancer risk. Wikipedia
Modifiers/worseners (do not cause A-T, but can aggravate it):
- Exposure to ionizing radiation (diagnostic x-rays/CT or therapeutic radiation) can injure tissues more in A-T. MedlinePlus
- Certain chemotherapy/radiomimetic drugs that mimic radiation damage can be extra toxic. ASH Publications
- Chronic respiratory infections that stress lungs already prone to disease. National Organization for Rare Disorders
- Oxidative stress (higher reactive oxygen species burden) that ATM normally helps counter. BioMed Central
- Poor vaccine responses and antibody deficits that allow frequent infections. PMC
- Malnutrition or poor swallowing (aspiration), which weakens immunity and lungs. Wikipedia
- Environmental smoke/pollution worsening chronic lung disease. childneurologyfoundation.org
- Unrecognized telangiectasias on bladder/skin that complicate care after certain drugs (like cyclophosphamide). Wikipedia
- Delayed diagnosis (especially in variant A-T), which delays targeted infection and rehab care. PM&R KnowledgeNow
- Coexisting immune patterns (e.g., hyper-IgM or severe IgA/IgG subclass deficiency) associated with worse outcomes in some studies. ScienceDirect+1
Symptoms
Unsteady walk (gait ataxia). Children start to walk at a normal age but remain wobbly and fall more than expected. Balance worsens over the school years. MedlinePlus+1
Poor hand coordination. Buttons, handwriting, and small tasks get harder because the cerebellum is affected. MedlinePlus
Slurred or slow speech (dysarthria). Voice may sound scanning or broken into small parts. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Eye-movement problems (oculomotor apraxia). It is hard to start quick eye jumps between targets; head thrusts may help. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Eye telangiectasias. Tiny red vessels on the whites of the eyes usually appear after the ataxia begins. They are painless and do not itch. atcp.org
Skin telangiectasias. Similar small vessels can appear on sun-exposed face and ears. MedlinePlus
Involuntary movements. Chorea (jerky fidgeting), dystonia (twisting postures), myoclonus (sudden jerks), and tremor can occur. MedlinePlus
Swallowing troubles and choking. This can lead to coughing during meals and weight loss. Wikipedia
Frequent ear, sinus, and chest infections. The immune system may not make enough protective antibodies. PMC
Chronic lung disease. Repeated infections and aspiration can cause persistent cough and bronchiectasis over time. Wikipedia
Elevated AFP on blood tests. A common lab clue in A-T (helps doctors suspect the diagnosis). MedlinePlus
Shorter height or delayed puberty in some children. Growth and sexual development can be delayed. MedlinePlus
Peripheral neuropathy. Numbness, reduced reflexes, or weakness may appear in later stages. MedlinePlus
Sensitivity to medical radiation. People with A-T can have stronger side effects from x-rays or radiation therapy. MedlinePlus
Higher cancer risk. There is a greater lifetime risk of cancers, particularly of blood-forming and immune cells. Genetic & Rare Diseases Center
Diagnostic tests
A. Physical examination
Neurologic exam for ataxia. The doctor watches walking, standing, finger-to-nose, and heel-to-shin movements. A clumsy, wide-based gait and limb mis-targeting suggest cerebellar disease. NINDS
Eye exam for oculomotor apraxia. The examiner looks for delayed saccades (quick eye jumps) and head thrusts used to compensate. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Inspection for eye and skin telangiectasias. Stable, red “spider veins” on the conjunctiva or face support the diagnosis. atcp.org
Respiratory exam. Crackles, wheeze, or a wet cough may point to chronic infection or bronchiectasis. Wikipedia
Growth and puberty assessment. Height, weight, and sexual development checks help track delay. MedlinePlus
B. Bedside/manual coordination tests
- Finger-to-nose testing. Overshooting or tremor shows limb ataxia. NINDS
- Heel-to-shin testing. Wobble or drift down the shin indicates cerebellar dysfunction. NINDS
- Rapid alternating movements. Difficulty flipping the hand quickly shows dysdiadochokinesia. NINDS
- Romberg stance. Swaying with feet together (especially with eyes closed) can reveal proprioceptive or cerebellar problems that accompany A-T. NINDS
- 9-Hole Peg or timed fine-motor tasks. Simple timed hand tests document day-to-day coordination limits. NINDS
C. Laboratory and pathological tests
- Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Often elevated after infancy in A-T and a helpful screening clue. Levels may increase with age in classic A-T. MedlinePlus+1
- Immunoglobulin levels and vaccine antibody responses. IgA and IgG subclass deficiencies (and sometimes hyper-IgM) are common and explain frequent infections. PMC+1
- Lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry. Low T- and/or B-cell numbers are seen in many patients and correlate with infection risk. PMC
- Chromosomal radiosensitivity / breakage assays. Blood cells show increased breaks and characteristic rearrangements (e.g., involving chromosomes 7 and 14) after x-ray exposure in the lab. Medscape
- ATM protein and kinase activity testing. Western blot or functional kinase assays can show low/absent ATM or reduced activity. Immune Deficiency Foundation
- Genetic testing of the ATM gene. Next-generation sequencing (plus deletion/duplication analysis) confirms the diagnosis and informs family testing. NCBI+1
D. Electrodiagnostic tests
- Nerve conduction studies and EMG. These can reveal a peripheral neuropathy that sometimes develops in A-T. NCBI
- Eye movement recordings (e.g., electronystagmography or video-oculography). These document slow or
- EEG in selected patients. Used if there are spells suggesting seizures or unusual movements; not needed in every case. NCBI
E. Imaging tests
- Brain MRI. The most common finding is cerebellar (often vermian) atrophy, which may progress over time; advanced methods can quantify changes. PMC+2PubMed+2
Non-pharmacological treatments (therapies & other supports)
Multidisciplinary care program
Description: A coordinated team (neurology, pulmonology, immunology, rehab, nutrition, speech-language, psychology, social work) meets regularly, sets shared goals, and tracks growth, infections, swallowing, and lung function. Purpose: Catch problems early; reduce hospitalizations. Mechanism: Structured surveillance and rapid interventions lower risk from chest infections, malnutrition, and aspiration. PMCRadiation-avoidance imaging pathway
Description: Hospitals create a protocol to use MRI and ultrasound first, reserve CT/X-ray only when absolutely necessary, and document radiation dose history. Purpose: Limit DNA damage in a radiation-sensitive condition. Mechanism: Replacing ionizing studies with non-ionizing modalities reduces cumulative exposure. jicna.org+1Respiratory physiotherapy & airway clearance
Description: Daily techniques (active cycle breathing, oscillating PEP devices, chest physiotherapy), supported coughing, and mucus-mobilization plans during colds. Purpose: Prevent mucus plugging, atelectasis, and infections; protect lungs long-term. Mechanism: Mechanical mobilization improves ventilation and reduces bacterial load. PMC+1Infection action plan (home + clinic)
Description: Written plan for fever/cough: when to start cultures, when to escalate antibiotics, and when to seek emergency care. Purpose: Speedy treatment reduces lung injury and hospitalization. Mechanism: Early, protocol-driven care shortens infection duration. PMCSwallowing (dysphagia) assessment & therapy
Description: Regular speech-language evaluations, texture-modified diets, thickened fluids, safe-swallow strategies, and positioning. Purpose: Prevent aspiration and weight loss. Mechanism: Compensatory techniques reduce airway entry of food/liquid. PMCNutrition program & growth monitoring
Description: Dietitian-led plan for adequate calories, protein, vitamins A/D/E/K, and fiber; frequent weight and BMI checks; consider high-calorie supplements. Purpose: Prevent malnutrition, support immunity and wound healing. Mechanism: Adequate energy and micronutrients improve host defenses and rehab tolerance. jicna.org+1Early gastrostomy (PEG) when needed
Description: If weight falls or aspiration risk is high, consider a feeding tube with or without fundoplication. Purpose: Secure nutrition, decrease aspiration, reduce mealtime stress. Mechanism: Bypasses unsafe oral intake; stabilizes growth. jicna.orgVaccination strategy (non-live prioritized; live individualized)
Description: Give all inactivated vaccines on schedule (e.g., influenza injection, pneumococcal conjugate), and consider live vaccines only after immune evaluation; avoid yellow fever vaccine; consider injectable flu instead of live nasal if T-cell function is unclear. Purpose: Reduce preventable infections. Mechanism: Safe antigens trigger protective antibodies; live vaccines require adequate T-cell numbers. CDC+1Pneumococcal protection
Description: Follow expert advice to ensure pneumococcal conjugate vaccination (and polysaccharide when appropriate), plus antibody level checks in non-responders. Purpose: Prevent severe pneumococcal disease. Mechanism: Induces serotype-specific immunity; monitoring confirms response. PMCEnvironmental airway health
Description: Smoke-free home, mold remediation, annual indoor air quality review, and physical activity as tolerated. Purpose: Reduce airway inflammation and infections. Mechanism: Removes irritants that impair mucociliary clearance. PMCRegular pulmonary function testing (when feasible)
Description: Serial spirometry (or infant/child alternatives), oxygen saturation trend, and periodic sleep assessments if snoring/apneas. Purpose: Detect decline early; guide therapy. Mechanism: Objective trends trigger timely interventions. PMCOccupational therapy (OT)
Description: Adaptive utensils, mobility aids, home modifications, energy-conservation planning, and school accommodations. Purpose: Maintain independence and safety. Mechanism: Task adaptation reduces fall and fatigue risk. PM&R KnowledgeNowPhysical therapy (PT) for balance and strength
Description: Individualized programs for core stability, gait training, transfer safety, and fall prevention; supported standing/walking as tolerated. Purpose: Preserve mobility, delay deconditioning. Mechanism: Neuro-rehab and conditioning optimize residual motor control. PM&R KnowledgeNowSpeech therapy for communication
Description: Strategies for dysarthria, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and caregiver training. Purpose: Maintain social participation. Mechanism: Communication tools bypass motor speech limitations. PM&R KnowledgeNowSchool and psychosocial support
Description: Individualized education plans, counseling for anxiety/depression, and family respite resources. Purpose: Protect mental health and learning. Mechanism: Structured supports reduce stress and improve coping. PM&R KnowledgeNowBone health program
Description: Weight-bearing as able, vitamin D optimization, and screening for low bone density in teens/adults. Purpose: Prevent fractures in a population with falls. Mechanism: Nutrients and loading improve bone mineralization. BioMed CentralSkin and eye care for telangiectasias
Description: Sun protection, lubricating eye drops for comfort, and cosmetic camouflage if desired. Purpose: Symptom relief; cosmetic confidence. Mechanism: Reduces irritation and UV-related skin changes. American Cancer SocietyCancer surveillance awareness
Description: Teach families and primary care about lymphoma/leukemia warning signs and the need for tailored, low-radiation diagnostic paths. Purpose: Earlier detection with safer work-ups. Mechanism: High suspicion + MRI/US-first strategies. American Cancer Society+1Respiratory infection prevention at home
Description: Hand hygiene, masks during viral surges, crowd avoidance in peak seasons, and early telehealth check-ins. Purpose: Reduce viral load exposure. Mechanism: Basic public-health steps lower transmission. PMCCare pathways for resource-limited settings
Description: Stepwise priorities (nutrition, vaccines, airway care, infection protocols) when subspecialty access is limited. Purpose: Deliver the “highest-impact” basics first. Mechanism: Expert consensus on staged care improves outcomes where resources are scarce. jicna.org
Drug treatments
There is no disease-modifying drug proven to cure A-T. Medicines are used to prevent or treat complications (infections, airway inflammation, reflux, spasticity/dystonia, etc.). Doses below reflect widely used standards for primary immunodeficiency or symptom control and are individualized by clinicians. Avoid radiation-mimicking drugs when possible; cancer therapy must be customized by oncology teams who know A-T. NCBI+1
Immunoglobulin replacement (IVIG)
Class: Immune globulin. Dose/Time: Common starting replacement dose 400–600 mg/kg every 3–4 weeks; titrate to infections and IgG trough level. Purpose: Reduce sinopulmonary infections if antibody production is poor. Mechanism: Passive IgG supplies pathogen-specific antibodies. Side effects: Headache, infusion reactions; rare thrombosis/aseptic meningitis—rate adjustments and premedication help. AAAAI+1Subcutaneous Ig (SCIG)
Class: Immune globulin. Dose/Time: Often 100–200 mg/kg weekly (or equivalent biweekly); adjust to troughs and clinical response. Purpose/Mechanism: Same as IVIG, with steadier levels and home administration. Side effects: Local site swelling/itch; systemic effects less common than IVIG. PMC+1Azithromycin (airway anti-inflammatory/prophylaxis)
Class: Macrolide antibiotic. Dose/Time: Specialist-directed (e.g., 3x weekly) in bronchiectasis phenotypes. Purpose: Reduce exacerbations and airway inflammation. Mechanism: Antibacterial + immunomodulatory effects. Side effects: QT prolongation, GI upset; monitor. (Evidence extrapolated from bronchiectasis/CVID care; used per expert consensus in A-T lung disease.) PMCAmoxicillin-clavulanate (bacterial exacerbations)
Class: Beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor. Dose/Time: Infection-specific courses. Purpose: Treat acute bacterial sinusitis/bronchitis. Mechanism: Kills common airway bacteria. Side effects: GI upset, rash. PMCTrimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) prophylaxis
Class: Antibiotic. Dose/Time: Low-dose prophylaxis in selected patients with recurrent infections (immunology-directed). Purpose: Prevent bacterial infections and Pneumocystis in specific risk profiles. Mechanism: Folate pathway inhibition. Side effects: Rash, cytopenias; check counts. PMCInhaled bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol)
Class: β2-agonist. Dose/Time: PRN or scheduled per wheeze. Purpose: Relieve bronchospasm. Mechanism: Airway smooth muscle relaxation. Side effects: Tremor, tachycardia. PMCInhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
Class: Anti-inflammatory steroid. Dose/Time: Asthma-like phenotypes per guidelines. Purpose: Reduce airway inflammation. Mechanism: Genomic anti-inflammatory effects. Side effects: Thrush, dysphonia. (Use when indicated; not all A-T patients benefit.) PMCHypertonic saline nebulization
Class: Airway hydration therapy. Dose/Time: 3%–7% per protocol. Purpose: Thin mucus to aid clearance. Mechanism: Osmotic water movement into airway surface liquid. Side effects: Bronchospasm (pre-treat with bronchodilator if needed). PMCProton-pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole)
Class: Acid suppression. Dose/Time: Daily for reflux/aspiration risk. Purpose: Reduce reflux-related cough/aspiration. Mechanism: Lowers gastric acidity. Side effects: GI effects; long-term risks discussed individually. PMCAnticholinergics for sialorrhea (e.g., glycopyrrolate)
Class: Antimuscarinic. Dose/Time: Titrated by weight. Purpose: Reduce drooling/aspiration. Mechanism: Lowers salivary secretions. Side effects: Dry mouth, constipation. PM&R KnowledgeNowMuscle tone/ movement symptom agents (e.g., baclofen, clonazepam)
Class: GABAergic/antispasmodic. Dose/Time: Low-dose start, slow titration. Purpose: Ease spasticity, dystonia, or myoclonus that impair function. Mechanism: CNS inhibition of overactive motor circuits. Side effects: Sedation, falls—start low/go slow. PM&R KnowledgeNowShort courses of systemic steroids for neurologic symptoms (specialist-directed)
Class: Glucocorticoid. Dose/Time: Short, carefully monitored pulses (e.g., betamethasone) have shown transient gait/speech improvement in some reports. Purpose: Temporary functional gains. Mechanism: Anti-inflammatory/ion-channel modulation in cerebellar circuits (hypothesized). Side effects: Mood, glucose, infection risk—use judiciously. The LancetIntra-erythrocyte dexamethasone (EryDex) in trials
Class: Glucocorticoid (encapsulated). Dose/Time: Monthly infusions in studies. Purpose: Improve neurologic function while limiting systemic steroid exposure. Mechanism: Slow release of dexamethasone from autologous RBCs. Side effects: Monitored in RCTs; long-term safety data emerging. (Investigational; access via trials/expanded programs.) PubMed+2ScienceDirect+2Broad-spectrum antibiotics for pneumonia
Class: Various. Dose/Time: Per local guidelines and cultures. Purpose: Treat lower respiratory infections promptly. Mechanism: Pathogen eradication. Side effects: Drug-specific; stewardship applies. PMCAntivirals when indicated (e.g., oseltamivir for influenza)
Class: Neuraminidase inhibitor. Dose/Time: Standard age/weight dosing. Purpose: Reduce severity/duration of flu. Mechanism: Blocks viral release. Side effects: Nausea; rare neuropsychiatric effects. (Vaccination remains first-line.) CDCMontelukast for eosinophilic airway phenotypes
Class: Leukotriene receptor antagonist. Dose/Time: Once daily. Purpose: Adjunct control of airway inflammation/wheeze. Mechanism: Blocks leukotrienes. Side effects: Neuropsychiatric warnings—monitor. PMCMucolytics (e.g., carbocisteine or N-acetylcysteine)
Class: Mucus-modifying. Dose/Time: Per product label. Purpose: Thinner secretions for easier clearance. Mechanism: Break mucin disulfide bonds. Side effects: GI upset. PMCVaccines (non-live) as “medical products”
Class: Inactivated/recombinant vaccines. Dose/Time: Per routine schedule, with immune specialist input. Purpose: Prevent infections safely in altered immunity. Mechanism: Induce protective antibodies without live organisms. Side effects: Local reactions; anaphylaxis rare. CDCCorticosteroids or other immunosuppression for A-T-related interstitial lung disease (specialist use)
Class: Anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive. Dose/Time: Case-by-case with close monitoring. Purpose: Treat inflammatory lung involvement. Mechanism: Dampens immune-mediated injury. Side effects: Infection risk; bone effects; tailor carefully. Chest JournalOncology regimens—modified
Class: Cancer chemotherapy (individualized). Dose/Time: Reduced intensity and radiation-sparing strategies due to toxicity risk. Purpose: Treat leukemia/lymphoma while limiting life-threatening adverse effects. Mechanism: Cytotoxic/targeted agents with altered dosing to match DNA-repair deficit. Side effects: Heightened toxicity in A-T; managed by expert teams. Lippincott Journals
Important: Decisions about antibiotics, steroids, and oncology plans must be individualized by clinicians experienced with A-T and local resistance patterns. This section offers a framework, not personal medical advice.
Dietary molecular supplements
Evidence for supplements in A-T is limited; these suggestions are based on common deficiencies, pulmonary care needs, or antioxidant rationale. Use only as part of a medical plan.
Vitamin D – supports bone and immune function; dose per blood levels to reach sufficiency. Mechanism: Nuclear receptor signaling; calcium homeostasis. BioMed Central
Vitamin A – for mucosal integrity and vision; avoid excess. Mechanism: Epithelial differentiation. BioMed Central
Vitamin E – lipid-phase antioxidant; may help oxidative stress; monitor fat-soluble vitamin balance. Mechanism: Free-radical scavenging. BioMed Central
Vitamin K – coagulation and bone health, especially with fat malabsorption risk. Mechanism: γ-carboxylation of clotting factors/osteocalcin. BioMed Central
Omega-3 fatty acids – anti-inflammatory support for airway and general health; use fish oil or diet sources; doses individualized. Mechanism: Eicosanoid modulation. PMC
Zinc – supports immune function when deficient; check levels to avoid excess. Mechanism: Enzymatic cofactor; lymphocyte function. BioMed Central
Selenium – antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidases); replace if low. Mechanism: Redox control. BioMed Central
Multivitamin with minerals – backstop for gaps from selective eating/dysphagia. Mechanism: Provides broad micronutrients. BioMed Central
Coenzyme Q10 – mitochondrial antioxidant; data in A-T are limited; may support fatigue. Mechanism: Electron transport and redox buffering. BioMed Central
N-acetylcysteine (oral) – mucolytic and glutathione precursor; sometimes used for thick secretions/oxidative stress. Mechanism: Restores intracellular GSH; breaks mucus bonds. PMC
Immunity-booster / regenerative / stem-cell” therapies
Immunoglobulin replacement (IVIG/SCIG) – This is the most evidence-based immune support for patients with antibody deficiency; see doses above. Mechanism: Direct passive immunity. AAAAI+1
Seasonal vaccines (non-live) incl. influenza & pneumococcal – Primary infection prevention strategy; give on schedule with immunology input. Mechanism: Induced protective antibodies without live replication. CDC+1
COVID-19 vaccination – Recommended by expert groups for people with A-T. Mechanism: Induces SARS-CoV-2 immunity. atcp.org
EryDex (intra-RBC dexamethasone, investigational) – Being studied to improve neurologic function while limiting systemic steroid exposure; access via clinical trials only. Mechanism: Controlled steroid release. PubMed
Hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT, experimental in A-T) – Considered only in select cases (e.g., severe immune failure or malignancy) because of high toxicity; not routine. Mechanism: Reconstitutes immune cells; does not reliably reverse neurodegeneration. Lippincott Journals
Gene-targeted approaches (preclinical/early research) – ATM-pathway modulation and gene therapy are under exploration, but not available as standard care yet. Mechanism: Restore or bypass ATM function in DNA-damage response. ScienceDirect+1
Surgeries
Gastrostomy (PEG) ± fundoplication – A small feeding tube is placed into the stomach to deliver food safely when swallowing is unsafe or weight is falling. Why: Prevent aspiration and malnutrition; reduce mealtime stress. jicna.org
Airway procedures (e.g., bronchoscopy for mucus plugging) – A scope clears thick secretions, samples infection, or evaluates collapse. Why: Treat persistent atelectasis or recurrent lobar disease. PMC
Spinal fusion (selected cases) – Stabilizes severe scoliosis that impairs sitting balance or lung function. Why: Improve comfort and respiratory mechanics. PM&R KnowledgeNow
Oncologic surgeries/biopsy – Tissue diagnosis or resection of lymphomas/solid tumors using radiation-sparing imaging and careful peri-op planning. Why: Accurate diagnosis and local control while minimizing radiation exposure. Lippincott Journals
ENT surgery (e.g., adenoidectomy/sinus surgery) – For chronic otitis media or sinusitis not controlled medically. Why: Reduce infection burden and improve airway flow. PMC
Prevention tips
Keep all non-live vaccines up to date; evaluate need and safety of any live vaccines with an immunologist first. CDC+1
Build a radiation-avoidance plan (MRI/US first). jicna.org
Follow an airway clearance routine daily, and step up during colds. PMC
Create an infection action plan for fever/cough. PMC
Maintain good nutrition and monitor weight/BMI. BioMed Central
Smoke-free home; reduce pollutants and molds. PMC
Practice hand hygiene and crowd avoidance during viral surges. PMC
Schedule regular pulmonary and immunology check-ups. PMC
Ensure school/therapy supports are in place (IEP, accommodations). PM&R KnowledgeNow
Know cancer warning signs and how to seek radiation-sparing diagnostic paths promptly. American Cancer Society+1
When to see a doctor urgently
Seek care now for: breathing trouble, blue lips, persistent fever or cough that is not improving in 48 hours, dehydration or choking with feeds, fast weight loss, severe headaches, new swollen lymph nodes, unexplained bruising/bleeding, night sweats, or sudden decline in walking or speech. These may signal infection, aspiration, or possible malignancy and need prompt evaluation with radiation-sparing imaging choices. PMC+1
What to eat and what to avoid
Eat: energy-dense foods (healthy oils, nut butters if safe, dairy/alternatives), lean proteins, fruits/vegetables in easy textures, adequate fluids, and vitamin D/calcium-rich choices. Why: supports growth, immunity, and rehab. Avoid/limit: choking-risk textures if dysphagia is present, ultra-processed low-nutrient foods that displace calories, and alcohol/tobacco exposure. Work with a dietitian to personalize textures and fortification; consider gastrostomy when oral intake is not safe or sufficient. jicna.org+1
FAQs
1) Is A-T genetic?
Yes. A-T happens when both ATM gene copies carry harmful variants. Parents are usually healthy carriers. NCBI+1
2) Why are X-rays and CT scans a concern?
Because A-T cells are radiation-sensitive; ionizing radiation causes extra DNA damage. Prefer MRI/ultrasound when possible. ScienceDirect+1
3) Can vaccines be given?
Non-live vaccines are safe and recommended. Live vaccines need an immunology review; some (e.g., yellow fever) are avoided; nasal live flu is avoided if T-cell function is poor. CDC+1
4) Why is my child always sick with chest infections?
Some people with A-T have antibody and T-cell defects. Airway clearance, vaccines, Ig replacement, and early antibiotics help. PMC
5) What about COVID-19 shots?
Experts recommend COVID-19 vaccination for people with A-T. atcp.org
6) Is there a cure?
No cure yet. Care focuses on preventing complications and supporting function. Research is testing steroid-based neuro-symptom approaches and ATM-pathway strategies. NCBI+1
7) Will my child need a wheelchair?
Many children do as the disease progresses; rehab helps preserve mobility and independence. esid.org
8) Can diet or vitamins cure A-T?
No. Nutrition and selected supplements support health but do not reverse the condition. BioMed Central
9) What is EryDex?
An investigational therapy that delivers dexamethasone inside your own red blood cells; studied for neurologic benefits with fewer steroid side effects. PubMed
10) Are cancer treatments different in A-T?
Yes. Teams often avoid radiation and adjust chemo intensity because toxicity risk is higher. Lippincott Journals
11) Should siblings or parents be tested?
Carrier testing and genetic counseling help families plan; discuss with genetics clinicians. NCBI
12) Why is pneumococcal protection emphasized?
Because bacterial pneumonia is a major risk; conjugate vaccination and Ig therapy reduce severe disease. PMC
13) Does A-T affect bones and metabolism?
Yes—malnutrition and metabolic changes can occur; bone health and vitamin D need attention. BioMed Central
14) Are live household vaccines safe?
Guidelines support routine live vaccines for healthy household contacts to reduce exposure risk to the patient. Oxford Academic
15) Where can I find trustworthy A-T guidance?
See GeneReviews, A-T clinical guidance documents, and pulmonary/rehab consensus statements listed below. NCBI+1
Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.
The article is written by Team RxHarun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members
Last Updated: September 24, 2025.
