Olivopontocerebellar atrophy

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Central nervous system

OPCA; Olivopontocerebellar degeneration

Many symptoms are associated with olivopontocerebellar atrophy, but the main symptom is clumsiness (ataxia) that slowly gets worse. There may also be problems with balance, slurring of speech, and difficulty walking. Other symptoms may include:

• Tremor
• Abnormal movements
• Abnormal eye movements
• Sexual function problems
• Bowel or bladder problems
• Muscle stiffness or rigidity
• Muscle spasms
• Nerve damage
• Difficulty swallowing

A thorough medical and neurological examination as well as a good history of symptoms and family history are necessary to make the diagnosis. There are no specific tests for this condition.

An MRI of the brain may show changes in the size of the brain structures. This is helpful in making the diagnosis, but lack of these findings does not necessarily rule out the condition.

Other tests may be done to rule out other conditions. This may include swallowing studies to see if a person can safely swallow food and liquid.

Review Date: 09/10/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.