Treatment Options For Spinocerebellar Ataxia

Spinocerebellar ataxia is a group of genetically inherited movement disorders that are the result of degenerative alterations in the spinal cord and section of the brain responsible for an individual's movement control. Spinocerebellar ataxia is caused by genetic mutation where there is a greater number than normal of trinucleotide repeat expansions in the DNA. Symptoms seen in spinocerebellar ataxia include balance and coordination issues, uncoordinated walk, abnormal speech, vision issues, problems with processing information, challenges with learning, memory problems, involuntary eye movements, and poor hand-eye coordination.

When an individual is suspected of having spinocerebellar ataxia, genetic testing is performed to identify any genetic mutations associated with the group of disorders. Imaging studies such as MRI scans and CT scans may also be used in the diagnosis of spinocerebellar ataxia.

Certain Medications

Patients may need to use one or more medications to treat the symptoms caused by their disorder. Zolpidem may be used in individuals who have trouble with sleep disorders. Varenicline may be used off-label in individuals who have spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 that has shown in several studies to reduce symptoms. Patients who experience symptoms isolated to spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 may be prescribed a medication called acetazolamide, which has been proven to help with ataxia-related symptoms.

Motor symptoms in all forms of spinocerebellar ataxia may be able to be alleviated with the use of medications called dopamine agonists and antagonists like haloperidol and L-dopa. Medications such as baclofen and benzodiazepines may be utilized to help with the suppression of certain neuronal circuits that are overactive and produce tremors. Other medications may be used as part of a patient's treatment that can help with muscle stiffness and muscle spasms as well.

Physical Therapy

Spinocerebellar ataxia patients may benefit from undergoing physical therapy as a part of their treatment plan. A regimen that includes one hour of intensive physical therapy each day for four consecutive weeks with a special concentration on gait, strength, and balance can improve symptoms of cerebellar ataxia. Physical therapy methods that may be especially beneficial for individuals who have cerebellar ataxia include the use of the treadmill, neurophysiological assessment, weighting on the torso, and noninvasive brain stimulation atop of the cerebellum.

Weighting on the torso can be accomplished with the use of a balance disk or a balance ball. These methods have proven to be successful in helping a patient with motor learning and sensory-motor control. Physical therapy can help enhance the patient's ability to sit, stand, walk, and balance correctly. In individuals with symptoms primarily related to muscle weakness, physical therapy can be helpful even if it is only to strengthen and maintain the strength of the affected muscles.