Neurochemical profiles in hereditary ataxias: A meta-analysis of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy studies

•MR Spectroscopy can differentiate hereditary ataxia patients and controls.•NAA appears to be the most reliable metabolic marker in this differentiation.•SCA2 patients show the highest metabolite abnormalities compared to other ataxias.•Differential neurochemical profiles can distinguish between SCA1 and SCA6 patients.