Cerebellar degeneration
Cerebellar Degeneration
Cerebellar degeneration (/sɛrɪˈbɛlər dɪˈdʒɛnəˈreɪʃən/) is a process in which neurons in the cerebellum - the area of the brain that controls muscle coordination and balance - deteriorate and die. Diseases that cause cerebellar degeneration can also involve areas of the brain that connect the cerebellum to the spinal cord, such as the pons and medulla oblongata.
Etymology
The term "cerebellar degeneration" is derived from the Latin cerebellum meaning "little brain", and the Latin degeneratio meaning "a wearing away".
Types of Cerebellar Degeneration
There are many types of cerebellar degeneration, including:
- Alcoholic cerebellar degeneration: This is a type of cerebellar degeneration caused by excessive consumption of alcohol.
- Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration: This is a rare neurological disorder characterized by a widespread loss of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum.
- Spinocerebellar ataxia: This is a progressive, degenerative, genetic disease with multiple types, each of which could be considered a disease in its own right.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cerebellar degeneration can include:
- Ataxia: Lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements.
- Dysarthria: Slurred and slow speech that can be difficult to understand.
- Nystagmus: Rapid, involuntary eye movement.
- Tremor: Involuntary, rhythmic muscle contraction leading to shaking movements in one or more parts of the body.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cerebellar degeneration is based on a person's medical and family histories, a physical examination, and results from tests and procedures such as MRI or CT scan.
Treatment
There is no cure for cerebellar degeneration. Treatment is usually supportive and is based on the person's symptoms and the underlying cause.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cerebellar degeneration
- Wikipedia's article - Cerebellar degeneration
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