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

Cerebellar degeneration

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My father was diagnosed with cerebellar degeneration. He isn't on any medication and he feels terrible all the time. Is there anything out there that can help him such as medications or alternative therapies?
There is currently no cure for hereditary forms of cerebellar degeneration. In these cases, treatment is usually supportive and based on the signs and symptoms present in each person. For example, a variety of drugs may be used to treat gait abnormalities. Physical therapy can strengthen muscles, while special devices or appliances can assist in walking and other activities of daily life.[1]

In acquired (non-genetic and non-inherited) forms of cerebellar degeneration, some signs and symptoms may be reversible with treatment of the underlying cause.[2] For example, paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration may improve after successful treatment of the underlying cancer. For alcoholic/nutritional cerebellar degeneration, symptoms are often relieved with discontinuation of alcohol abuse, a normal diet and dietary supplementation with thiamine and other B vitamins.[3]
Last updated: 12/15/2014

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  1. Ataxias and Cerebellar or Spinocerebellar Degeneration Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Ataxias-and-Cerebellar-or-Spinocerebellar-Degeneration-Information-Page.
  2. Gonzalez-Usigli HA. Cerebellar Disorders. Merck Manual. August 2013; http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/movement-and-cerebellar-disorders/cerebellar-disorders.
  3. Cerebellar Degeneration, Subacute. NORD. 2007; https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/cerebellar-degeneration-subacute/.