Friedreich's ataxia. A clinical review with neurophysiological and echocardiographic findings.

In a review of twelve cases of Friedreich's ataxia, the important criteria for early diagnosis were identified. Clinical signs included absent tendon reflexes, ataxic gait, and a positive Romberg test. Nerve conduction velocities showed absent or severely slowed sensory conduction, with normal motor conduction. In addition, echocardiographic changes of symmetrical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were found.