The term ataxia refers to an inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements involving the head, trunk, and/or limbs, affecting movement and balance and sometimes speech and/or eye movement. The primary symptom of the neuromuscular disease Friedreich’s ataxia is ataxia.

Behavioral Sleep Medicine, used in conjunction with appropriate medical interventions, can help individuals with co-occurring neuromuscular disease and sleep disorder to get a better night’s sleep and to function better during the day.

I desire close, genuine relationships. Authentic sharing of my truth, even when I experience pain, must be part of that. I cannot foster close relationships while hiding behind empty words such as “fine” when someone asks how I am.

Often called an AFO, the term Ankle Foot Orthosis refers to a brace worn on the leg over the calf and foot. The brace supports the foot and ankle, holding the correct position and preventing foot drop. This type of brace is also sometimes called a foot drop brace.

Yesterday, I tripped over my own toes. This actually happens fairly often to me. One of the effects of Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT), the neuromuscular disease that I have been diagnosed with, is called foot drop.

Pes planus (flat foot, fallen arch) refers to an abnormally flattened arch. When standing, the entire foot will touch the floor. Pes planus is sometimes observed in individuals with Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) and other neuromuscular diseases, but not as often as pes cavus (high arch) is observed.

Pes cavus, also called high foot arch or high instep, refers to an abnormally high arch and shortening in the foot. Pes cavus, caused by muscle imbalance, often occurs in individuals with Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) and Friedrich’s Ataxia (FA), and less frequently in other neuromuscular diseases.

With the weather turning nicer, I get outside to walk more often. Walking for exercise has been recommended to me by my physician, and is often recommended to those with various types neuromuscular disease. About a year ago, I discovered the benefits of using walking poles while walking.

Recently, most of my journaling has taken the form of spiritual journaling. I have found this type of journaling to be beneficial to my ability to cope and thrive despite neuromuscular disease. Along with emotional and psychological benefits, journaling also has important health benefits.

Although Andreas Johansson suffers from the progressive neuromuscular disease Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT), he has not let that stop him from pursuing his dreams. Coming to the United States from Sweden, he embarked upon a trek across the U.S. on an EliptiGO, a self-powered eliptical style scooter.