Is ataxia a degenerative disease?

Ataxia is a degenerative disease of the nervous system. Many symptoms of Ataxia mimic those of being drunk, such as slurred speech, stumbling, falling, and incoordination. These symptoms are caused by damage to the cerebellum, the part of the brain that is responsible for coordinating movement.

What causes spinocerebellar degeneration disease?

This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. An affected person usually inherits the altered gene from one affected parent . However, some people with SCA1 do not have a parent with the disorder.

How long can you live with spinocerebellar ataxia?

Signs and symptoms of the disorder typically begin in mid-adulthood but can appear anytime from childhood to late adulthood. People with SCA3 eventually require wheelchair assistance. They usually survive 10 to 20 years after symptoms first appear.

Is spinocerebellar degeneration a disability?

Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a disabling condition on the Compassionate Allowance List, which qualifies an individual for an expedited approval process.

What is SCA disease?

Listen. Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a term referring to a group of hereditary ataxias that are characterized by degenerative changes in the part of the brain related to the movement control (cerebellum), and sometimes in the spinal cord.

What vitamin is good for ataxia?

Vitamin E supplementation in AVED patients stabilizes the neurological signs and can lead to mild improvement of cerebellar ataxia, especially in early stages of the disease.

What is SCA medical?

Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a term referring to a group of hereditary ataxias that are characterized by degenerative changes in the part of the brain related to the movement control (cerebellum), and sometimes in the spinal cord.

Does ataxia worse with age?

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 is the life expectancy of someone with 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.

Does ataxia worsen with age?

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.

Can SCA be cured?

There is no known cure for spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). The best treatment options for SCA vary by type and often depend on the signs and symptoms present in each person. The most common symptom of SCA is ataxia (a condition in which coordination and balance are affected).