National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Subacute cerebellar degeneration


Other Names:
Cerebellar degeneration, subacute; SCD; Alcoholic cerebellar degeneration; Cerebellar degeneration, subacute; SCD; Alcoholic cerebellar degeneration; Nutritional cerebellar degeneration See More
Subacute cerebellar degeneration is the breakdown of the area of the brain that controls muscle coordination and balance (the cerebellum).[1] Less commonly, the area connecting the spinal cord to the brain is involved. Subacute cerebellar degeneration may occur in association with a cancer (paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration) or lack of thiamine (alcoholic or nutritional cerebellar degeneration).[2] Signs and symptoms may include ataxia, speech and swallowing problems, dementia, vision problems, and vertigo.[2]
Last updated: 10/14/2014
Signs and symptoms of subacute cerebellar degeneration, include ataxia, speech and swallowing problems, dementia (in about half of people with this condition), and difficulty walking. People with subacute cerebellar degeneration due to thiamine deficiency may also experience quick involuntary movements of the eyeball (nystagmus), double-vision, dizziness, and paralysis of the eye muscles.[2]

In paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting may precede the neurological symptoms.[3] Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration may occur in association with Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome or encephalomyelitis.[3]
Last updated: 10/14/2014
Subacute cerebellar degeneration may occur when the body's immune system attacks healthy tissue, either for unknown reasons or as an abnormal reaction to an underlying cancer. These cases are referred to as paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration.[2]

Subacute cerebellar degeneration may also occur due to thiamine deficiency. Causes of thiamin deficiency include alcoholism, recurrent vomiting, gastric surgery, and diets poor in this B vitamin.[4] These cases are referred to as alcoholic/nutritional cerebellar degeneration. For further information pertaining to the neurological effects of severe thiamine deficiency, see the following link to the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome resource page.
http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/gard/6843/wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome/Resources/1
Last updated: 10/14/2014
The long term outlook for people with the paraneoplastic type of subacute cerebellar degeneration is variable. Treatment of the underlying cancer can help stop the progression of the disease, however improvement of existing neurological symptoms is less likely, but can occur. Early treatment (within first three months of symptoms) with immunotherapy may improve long term outlook. There are rare reports of people who have improved without treatment. Advanced age, long history of symptoms, and having anti-Hu or anti-Yo antibodies appear to negatively affect long-term outlook.[3]

The long term outlook for people with the alcoholic/nutritional type of subacute cerebellar degeneration is also variable. Most symptoms (such as ataxia and vision problems) can be reversed if detected and treated promptly. However, improvement in memory function and cognitive skills may be slow and, usually, incomplete. Without treatment, this condition can be disabling and life-threatening.[5][6] 
Last updated: 10/14/2014

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Subacute cerebellar degeneration. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Social Networking Websites

  • RareConnect has an online community for patients and families with this condition so they can connect with others and share their experiences living with a rare disease. The project is a joint collaboration between EURORDIS (European Rare Disease Organisation) and NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders).

Organizations Providing General Support

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Subacute cerebellar degeneration. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • I need SCD answers, research trials, a support group and help finding a doctor who is familiar with SCD. I recently learned I have SCD. After an MRI confirmation, I was told it was incurable, progressive, not treatable, and eventually I would need to use a walker before eventually winding up in a wheelchair - and be unable to speak. What else will happen to me? What other coordinated voluntary functions might be affected? Chewing? Bowel/bladder control? Writing? See answer


  1. NINDS Cerebellar Degeneration Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). June 27, 2008; http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebellar_degeneration/cerebellar_degeneration.htm. Accessed 10/2/2008.
  2. Cerebellar Degeneration, Subacute. NORD. 2007; https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/cerebellar-degeneration-subacute/.
  3. Dalmau J, Rosenfeld MR. Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration. In: Basow M. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate; 2014; Accessed 10/14/2014.
  4. Kumar N. Neurologic presentations of nutritional deficiencies. Neurol Clin. February 2010; 28(1):107-170. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19932379.
  5. NINDS Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). 2016; https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Wernicke-Korsakoff-Syndrome-Information-Page.
  6. Dugdale DC. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. MedlinePlus. February, 2014; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000771.htm.