Any data re: Ataxia caused by Agent Orange? or other chem.

  A friend was exposed to Agent Orange and is now presenting with what his
  physicians refer to as Idiopathic Cerebellar Degeneration (Ataxia).  The
  government claims that this has never been associated with Agent Orange,
  but the government also claimed that Agent Orange wasn't harmful until they
  were forced to stop ignoring it and start treating it.  Has Ataxia
  or peripheral neuropathy ever been associated with exposure to same or
  similar chemicals?  
  thank you very much for your assistance.
Dear E.A.,
Agent orange is composed of a couple of chlorinated phenoxy herbacides.  Exposure to the agent causes a 3 stage illness.  The first is immediate conjunctivitis and respiratory tract irritation that resolve within one week.  The second stage is skin erruptions (similar to acne) that may last several years.  The third phase that develops several months afer exposure consists of several complaints, including severe muscle pain in the legs, sensory changes (pins/needles, numbness) in hands and feet., anxiety, personality changes, and loss of sex drive. All if these symptoms are felt to resolve in one year.  Isolated ataxia has not been reported. Good Luck.