NAF’s Ataxia Centers of Excellence (ACE) designation is offered to exceptional regional centers providing comprehensive care and services for individuals affected by Ataxia and their families. Centers receiving the ACE designation have completed a thorough application process to demonstrate their exemplary service to the Ataxia community and specialized training/experience in treating Ataxia or movement disorders.

Ataxia Centers are specialty clinics committed to providing specialized medical care for people affected with Ataxias. Clinics are devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Ataxias as well as prevention and management of complications affecting this group of patients. Patients with the many types of rare Ataxias can benefit from multidisciplinary specialists, which often include genetic counselors, speech therapists, physical therapists, and other specialists who are devoted to the care and treatment of those with Ataxia.

Movement Disorder Centers specialize in disorders that affect movement. Physicians at these clinics will treat patients with Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Chorea, Ataxia, Tremor, Dystonia, Torticollis, Restless Leg Syndrome and other movement disorders. Some clinics will offer opportunities to participate in research, including clinical trials, genetic studies and neuroimaging. Some will have social work case management services. Most will provide an interdisciplinary approach to treating the patient that would include neurologists, physical therapists, speech therapists and other medical team members available to the patient.