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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > O > Olivopontocerebellar atrophy

Olivopontocerebellar atrophy   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

OPCA; Olivopontocerebellar degeneration; Multiple systems atrophy (MSA)

Symptoms

Many symptoms are associated with OPCA but the predominant feature is progressive ataxia (clumsiness) and difficulties with balance. There may be slurring of speech and difficulty walking. Other symptoms may include:

  • tremor
  • abnormal movements
  • abnormal eye movements
  • sexual dysfunction
  • bowel or bladder problems
  • stiffness or rigidity
  • spasticity
  • neuropathy
  • difficulty swallowing

Signs and Tests

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 a small cerebellum or brainstem, or atrophied olives. This is helpful in making the diagnosis but lack of these findings do not necessarily rule this condition out. Other tests may be done to rule out other diagnoses.

Ency. home > Disease > O > Olivopontocerebellar atrophy

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