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The most common early symptom of OPCA is ataxia, or incoordination, which may be observed in an unsteady gait or over-reaching for an object with the hand.

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Q: What is the first symptom of Olivopontocerebellar atrophy?
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What part of the brain is affected by Olivopontocerebellar atrophy?

Olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) is a group of disorders characterized by degeneration of three brain areas: the inferior olives, the pons, and the cerebellum .


What is the average age of onset for hereditary Olivopontocerebellar atrophy?

The average age of onset is 28 years.


How common is hereditary Olivopontocerebellar atrophy?

Hereditary OPCA affects approximately 10,000 people in the United States, with males affected approximately twice as often as females.


Who found multiple symptom atrophy?

who found multiplication


How long do people with Olivopontocerebellar atrophy live?

The life expectancy after diagnosis is approximately 15 years, although this is an average and cannot be used to predict the lifespan of any individual person.


What is the inherited version of Olivopontocerebellar atrophy?

Hereditary OPCA, also called inherited OPCA and familial OPCA, is caused by inheritance of a defective gene, which is recognized in some forms but not in others.


How is Olivopontocerebellar atrophy diagnosed?

An initial diagnosis of OPCA can be made with a careful neurological examination (testing of reflexes, balance, coordination, etc.), plus a magnetic resonance image (MRI ) of the brain


What are the symptoms of Olivopontocerebellar atrophy?

common symptoms include dysarthria (speech difficulty), dysphagia (swallowing difficulty), nystagmus (eye tremor), and abnormal movements such as jerking, twisting, or writhing. Symptoms worsen over time.


Is muscle wasting a symptom of Spina Bifida?

Spina Bifida does cause muscle atrophy, usually in the legs, feet, bowel, and bladder.


What is a Sentence for atrophy?

She has a muscular atrophy.


What is bone atrophy?

Atrophy is the wearing away of an organ or tissue because of lack of use. Bone Atrophy, obviously, is atrophy of bones.


Olivopontocerebellar atrophy?

DefinitionOlivopontocerebellar atrophy is a disease that causes areas deep in the brain, just above the spinal cord, to shrink.Alternative NamesOPCA; Olivopontocerebellar degenerationCauses, incidence, and risk factorsOlivopontocerebellar atrophy can be passed down through families (inherited form), or it may affect people without a known family history (sporadic form).The cause of olivopontocerebellar atrophy in those without a history of the disease is not known. The disease slowly gets worse (is progressive).This disease is slightly more common in men than in women.SymptomsSymptoms tend to start sooner in people with the inherited form. 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:Abnormal eye movementsAbnormal movementsBowel or bladder problemsDifficulty swallowingMuscle spasmsMuscle stiffness or rigidityNerve damage (neuropathy)TremorSexual function problemsSigns and testsA thorough medical and brain/nervous system (neurological) examination, as well as a symptom and family history, are needed 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, especially as the disease gets worse. This is helpful in making the diagnosis, but 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.TreatmentThere is no specific treatment or cure for this disease. Therapy is aimed at treating symptoms and preventing complications. This may include:Speech and physical therapyTechniques to prevent chokingWalking aids to help with balance and prevent fallsExpectations (prognosis)The disease slowly gets worse, and there is no cure. The outlook is generally poor. However, it may be years before someone becomes significantly disabled.ComplicationsChokingInfection from inhaling food into the lungs (aspiration pneumonia)Injury from fallsNutrition problems due to difficulty swallowingCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have any symptoms of olivopontocerebellar atrophy. You will need a referral to a neurologist.