How does cerebellar ataxia progress?
People with ataxia often have trouble with balance, coordination, swallowing, and speech. Ataxia usually develops as a result of damage to a part of the brain that coordinates movement (cerebellum). Ataxia can develop at any age. It is typically progressive, meaning it can get worse with time.
What causes cerebellum ataxia?
Cerebellum and brainstem Persistent ataxia usually results from damage to the part of your brain that controls muscle coordination (cerebellum). Many conditions can cause ataxia, including alcohol misuse, certain medication, stroke, tumor, cerebral palsy, brain degeneration and multiple sclerosis.
How long do people with cerebellar ataxia live?
People with the condition tend to have a shorter life expectancy than normal. Many people live until at least their 30s, and some can live into their 60s or beyond.
Is cerebellar ataxia serious?
In more severe cases, the condition can be fatal in childhood or early adulthood. For acquired ataxia, the outlook depends on the underlying cause. Some cases may improve or stay the same, while other cases may get gradually worse over time and reduce life expectancy.
How long does cerebellar ataxia last?
In children, the most common cause of acute cerebellar ataxia is a recent infection with bacteria or a virus. The infection can cause the cerebellum to swell, affecting the child’s balance and other functions. In most cases, the symptoms go away within 30 days .
What is the life expectancy of someone with cerebellar ataxia?
Life expectancy is generally shorter than normal for people with hereditary ataxia, although some people can live well into their 50s, 60s or beyond. In more severe cases, the condition can be fatal in childhood or early adulthood.
How is ataxia diagnosed?
Ataxia is diagnosed using a combination of a patient’s medical history, their family’s medical history, a detailed physical examination, and MRI scans and blood tests to rule out other disorders. There are genetic blood tests available for some forms of hereditary ataxia.
What exactly is spinocerebellar ataxia?
Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), also known as spinocerebellar atrophy or spinocerebellar degeneration, is a progressive, degenerative, genetic disease with multiple types , each of which could be considered a neurological condition in its own right.
What does hereditary cerebellar ataxia mean?
hereditary cerebellar ataxia (noun) nervous disorder of late childhood and early adulthood; characterized by ataxic gait and hesitating or explosive speech and nystagmus
What is shrinking cerebellum disease?
The actual name is Spinocerebellar Degeneration or it could also be called Spinocerebellar Ataxia. It involves the shrinking of the cerebellum. It involves the shrinking of the cerebellum. It affects movement of the body, talking, eating, vision, and everyday chores.