The Ataxia Center

The Johns Hopkins Ataxia Center offers a multispecialty approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cerebellar ataxia. The center was founded by and continues to be supported thanks to philanthropic investments from the Gordon and Marilyn Macklin Foundation and with the advocacy of the National Ataxia Foundation.

At Johns Hopkins, our mission is to care for patients, to educate, and to make scientific advances in the fight against disease. Our center strives to do all three. If you or a loved one has ataxia, please consider contacting our care coordinator at 410-616-2816 for information.

Our Approach

Our neurologists are familiar with the nuances of ataxia and related disorders. They work closely with speech therapists, swallowing experts, physical and occupational therapists, as well as genetic counselors, ophthalmologists and psychiatrists to offer a whole-person assessment and treatment.

Many patients have been told that ataxia is untreatable. However, with the right adaptive devices, the right medical advice, judicious use of medications, proper exercise, and patient and caregiver education, we are able to substantially improve the quality of life for our patients.

A big part of our mission is public and physician education. Our education programs involve students —from undergraduates to clinical trainees — in learning from our experts and, perhaps more importantly, from our patients. Our patients have access to educational resources about ataxia, and have an opportunity to participate in scientific studies and join in our quest to better understand and treat ataxia.

View upcoming educational events.

About the Gordon and Marilyn Macklin Foundation

The Gordon and Marilyn Macklin Foundation has supported the Johns Hopkins Ataxia Center since its founding in 2008. Our center proudly carries on the legacy of Gordon and Marilyn’s patronage of and advocacy for ataxia treatment. With the Macklin Foundation’s philanthropic backing over the last decade, the center has grown its roster of faculty and allied health professionals, expanded to multidisciplinary clinical operations, and initiated new outreach programs for our patients, their care partners and the ataxia community at large.

Download the latest issue of Ataxia Digest, news from the Johns Hopkins Ataxia Center.

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Maryland Patients

To request an appointment or refer a patient, please contact the Johns Hopkins Ataxia Center at 410-616-2816.

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Whether you're crossing the country or the globe, we make it easy to access world-class care at Johns Hopkins.

Outside of Maryland (toll free)
410-464-6713
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International Patients
+1-410-502-7683
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