In the reality television world, Megan Marx is best known for her time on Bachelor Australia, Bachelor in Paradise, and The Challenge Australia. But Marx is about to be better known within the rare disease sphere after sharing her diagnosis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6). According to People Magazine, 33-year-old Marx recently took to Instagram to share her diagnosis with her followers.
Marx’s post noted that she had been waiting for months to receive the results from her genetic testing. While she shares that tears were shed during the appointment, and that the future is uncertain, Marx is also doing her best to remain positive. She wants to remember all of the years that her body has remained strong and supported her through her endeavors. More so, she wants to appreciate what is still yet to come.
Of course, we wish Marx the best in processing her diagnosis. It can be extremely tough and isolating to grapple with a new diagnosis. But with so much support, love, and friendship behind her, Marx still has a lot of life left to live.
What is Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA)?
Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) refers to a group of progressive hereditary conditions that occur when parts of the nervous system that control movement are damaged. As a result, people experience a number of issues with balance, coordination, speech, and movement. There are multiple subtypes of SCA depending on the specific gene mutation. Currently, over 40 SCA subtypes have been identified.
Marx was diagnosed with SCA6. This form results from CACNA1A gene variants. In many cases, symptoms appear in someone’s 40s or 50s, though it can occur earlier in life. These symptoms of SCA6 can include:
- Progressive movement difficulties
- Problems with balance and coordination
- Involuntary eye movements (nystagmus)
- Double vision
- Speech difficulties
- Dystonia
- Tremors
- Loss of coordination, especially in the arms
In other forms of spinocerebellar ataxia, symptoms may also include irregular gait, slurred speech, poor hand-eye coordination, difficulty swallowing, peripheral neuropathy, and difficulty processing, learning, and remembering information (among others).
Right now, no cure exists for spinocerebellar ataxia. Treatments are symptomatic and aim to improve overall functioning. These can include physical therapy, assistive devices, and medications for muscle spasms.
