Final answer:
Friedreich's ataxia commonly presents with gait ataxia, dysarthria, and loss of proprioception and reflexes due to the degeneration of the cerebellum and spinal cord.
Step-by-step explanation:
Friedreich's ataxia is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that leads to various neurological and physical manifestations. Three common manifestations of Friedreich's ataxia include:
- Gait ataxia: This is the most characteristic symptom and refers to difficulties in walking, balance, and coordination due to the impairment of the cerebellum and spinal cord.
- Dysarthria: A speech disorder resulting from the inability to control or coordinate the muscles used in speaking, leading to slurred or slow speech.
- Loss of proprioception and reflexes: Degeneration of sensory nerve fibers can lead to an impaired sense of body position (proprioception) and loss of reflexes.