I am 58 years old. I have been identified with mild cerebellar atrophy after head MRI scan. My MRI does not show any shrinkage in cerebellum, but report indicated that there appears mild cerebellar atrophy. I have some imbalance problems since five years. I can walk and daily I go for morning walk though I feel inconvenient. I can feel imbalance and still other people are not able to detect my improper walk. I drive daily 1 hour. Absolutely, there is no problem if I sit or lie down. I went for genetic testing and found negative for SCA 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7. My elder brother is having ataxia symptoms and died last year at the age of 62. I was not aware of ataxia that time and I did not know cause of his death but he has severe imbalance problems, choking and shivering. Finally he was bed-ridden and died. My elder sister is also having imbalance problems, but she can able to perform her duties. I have 9 more brothers and sisters, who do not have ataxia symptoms.
Since ataxia can either be a symptom or a diagnosis you ask a very good question. It sounds as if you have all of the symptoms both balance and the physical evidence from an MRI. The cause would only remain in question. However, I do not think docs need a cause for a diagnosis. Idiopathic ataxia? (unknown cause)
Initially I was diagnosed in 2008 with idiopathic cerebellar ataxia and after 3 months in ITU last year the diagnosis was changed to MSA type C. It’s hard to accept and deal with.
my neuro-opthamalogist and I just had an interesting discussion about the terminology that neurologists use for various ataxia’s. He’s pretty sure I have Spino-cerebellar ataxia while my neurologist refuses to call it SCA saying I have a “hereditary ataxia” whatever that means. It certainly sounds like you have a hereditary ataxia and possibly SCA which is tough to diagnose without positive gene tests. There are many more SCA types than the ones you were tested for. The genetic tests are very expensive so you may not get to have them all done, and being in India you may not find a really good specialist who can properly diagnose you. It’s tough to find good ones here in the U.S. If you do have SCA there is still no treatment. The best the docs can do is treat your symptoms as they progress. Get a sleep study as Apnea is commonly a complication and affects the quality of your life. I’ve had this for 13 years and still function pretty well–drive and walk without a walker. Do everything you can to protect your health and talk to folks about how you are doing. Depression can be worse than the ataxia so protect against this especially. Exercise. Welcome!
A huge welcome Raghu! If you have atrophy of your cerebellum, then yes, I would say you have cerebellar ataxia. I was diagnosed 10 years ago, at 49 with Sporadic Cerebellar Ataxia, although I had small symptoms starting in my early 40's. My MRI's (I've had three) shows atrophy of my cerebellum (each MRI is a bit worse, therefore my ataxia has progressed). It affects my gait/balance (I started using a cane three years ago, to give me more stability and prevent falls), dexterity (writing/printing/fine motor skills), speech (slurred) and swallowing (coughing/choking, especially on liquids). No one in my family, as far back as we know, has/had ataxia except me. I had genetic testing for the known recessive types of ataxia, which was negative. I may have genetic testing for the known dominant types of ataxia, although the jury's still out on that. This presently is no cure for my ataxia, therefore, genetic testing may benefit research for someone else down the rode, and I'm all about that. I exercise for strength and balance, and try to eat as healthy as possible (lots of veggie and fruit), as I find this helps me physically and mentally. This site is wonderful for understanding and support! My best to you..., ;o)
Hi Raghu, You certainly sound like you have very good Dr.... and are in the know.
My Neurologist said I have gait ataxia . I have Blaphrospasm & Apraxia & the optic Neuro. who looks after that sent me to Neuro. specializing in Parkinson's. .She said I have cerebellar Atrophy , I was left totally confused.. This sight is wonderful !
I asked on this site what the different was the two and was assured that they are one and the same.
I asked my Neuro. and he said They are the same thing. The Atrophy Dr. said I do not have ataxia it is cerebellar atrophy .
She said it was caused by the drug Dilanton. I took that from 12 to 21 yrs.of age then other anticonvulsents..for epilepsy.
That was 10 yrs. I was on the dialantin & 39 yrs. on other meds. I don't believe that med could have caused it
10 yrs. ago I was taken of all anticunvulsents abruptly. . Three days later suddenly I began falling over backwards and my l
as time went on balance got worse. Speech (finding words) .hand wrighting bad, I would like to know if others have periods where most symptons lessen. I have been some better for about 2 months ?
So sorry Raghu for rambling on but seeing your " ceberellar atrophy " grabed my attention. God Bless, M.E.
I have started getting other symptoms - If I turn my head, I get spinning effect especially if I sleep less time. Is it also ataxia symptom? I had this feeling twenty years back, but cured after taking vitamin injections. Now I am taking E vitamin capules and B vitamin tablets, but there is no cure. Two years back, I used to do some balancing exercises, I became perfectly alright. Presently I am doing these exercises, there is no effect. Now I start deciding that I have to live with these balancing problems.Any one can advise - how many years I live.
Lassie-Elena !!! Mary-Elena said:
Hi Raghu, You certainly sound like you have very good Dr.... and are in the know.
My Neurologist said I have gait ataxia . I have Blaphrospasm & Apraxia & the optic Neuro. who looks after that sent me to Neuro. specializing in Parkinson's. .She said I have cerebellar Atrophy , I was left totally confused.. This sight is wonderful !
I asked on this site what the different was the two and was assured that they are one and the same.
I asked my Neuro. and he said They are the same thing. The Atrophy Dr. said I do not have ataxia it is cerebellar atrophy .
She said it was caused by the drug Dilanton. I took that from 12 to 21 yrs.of age then other anticonvulsents..for epilepsy.
That was 10 yrs. I was on the dialantin & 39 yrs. on other meds. I don't believe that med could have caused it
10 yrs. ago I was taken of all anticunvulsents abruptly. . Three days later suddenly I began falling over backwards and my l
as time went on balance got worse. Speech (finding words) .hand wrighting bad, I would like to know if others have periods where most symptons lessen. I have been some better for about 2 months ?
So sorry Raghu for rambling on but seeing your " ceberellar atrophy " grabed my attention. God Bless, M.E.