Hereditary ataxia is a group of genetic degenerative diseases characterized by chronic progressive cerebellar ataxia; the three major characteristics are the genetic background passed down from generation to generation, ataxia manifestations and pathological changes mainly involving cerebellar damage. In addition to the cerebellum and conduction fibers, this group of diseases often involves the posterior columns of the spinal cord, pyramidal tracts, pontine nuclei, basal ganglia, cranial nerve nuclei, spinal ganglia and autonomic nervous system. The ataxia gait appears first and gradually worsens, eventually making the patient bedridden. The clinical symptoms are complex and overlapping, and even the same family can show high heterogeneity.