INFORMATION ON SPINOCEREBELLAR DEGENERATION

Spinocerebellar Degeneration is a group of diseases characterized by progressive neurological degeneration affecting the cerebellum, pontine nuclei, and inferior olive. They are also referred to as Olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OCA) or atrophies.
Spinocerebellar Degeneration may be classified based on clinical, genetic, or neuropathological findings; thus, there are many classifications of this disorder.

CAUSES OF OLIVOPONTOCEREBELLAR ATROPHY

Spinocerebellar Degeneration is caused by defective gene.
This defective gene may be very unusual. It may produce varying amounts of extra genetic material that may be responsible for the severity of symptoms as well as the age of on set. Research suggests that people who have symptoms of this disease early in life may have a larger gene size than those with late-onset disease.

SYMPTOMS OF SPINOCEREBELLAR DEGENERATION

Some of the symptoms of Spinocerebellar Degeneration are:

• Balance difficulty
• Ataxia
• Slurred speech (dysarthria)
• Muscle spasms
• Muscle weakness

TREATMENT OF SPINOCEREBELLAR DEGENERATION

There is no specific treatment for Spinocerebellar degeneration. The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Spinocerebellar Degeneration is:

• Medications - Physicians may try different medications to treat the ataxia, tremor and rigidity that are associated with the disorder. Stiffness, spasms, sleep disorders, depression, and tremor may be improved with medication.
• Physical therapy – A physical therapist may be helpful in establishing a routine of exercise and stretching, and in obtaining devices to assist in walking and other daily activities.