The link between Parkinson’s and Spinocerebellar Ataxia

Parkinson’s Disease and Spinocerebellar Ataxia are both progressive conditions that affect movement. In both cases, patients can experience a set of symptoms that include slurred speech, trouble walking, tremors, and so on. The conditions are highly different, however, and require their own unique diagnosis and treatment approaches. Let’s take a closer look.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease and Spinocerebellar Ataxia

Parkinson’s Disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions in the world. It primarily damages the dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Tremors are among the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, as well as slowness of movements, stiffness and stooped posture.

On the other hand, Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Spinocerebellar Atrophy, or Spinocerebellar Degeneration is a genetic disease caused by either a recessive or dominant gene. It refers to a group of ataxias that are known to be hereditary and cause harm to the cerebellum, the part of the brain which maintains balance and controls movements. Spinocerebellar Ataxia may result in non-coordinated gait, impaired hand-eye coordination, and abnormal speech. Stem cell therapy and physiotherapy are important components of both Parkinson’s Disease and Spinocerebellar Ataxia Treatment.

Similarities between Parkinson’s Disease and Spinocerebellar Ataxia

Any kind of uncoordinated movement is referred to as Ataxia. The term can also refer to a group of disorders that typically run in the family and gradually affect the brain’s ability to coordinate movement of different parts of the body.

While Ataxia may occur suddenly or over a period of time, it may be diagnosed on the basis of the below symptoms:

• Slurred speech
• Poor coordination of movement
• Inability to perform basic fine motor movements
• Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing)
• Unsteady gait
• Propensity to trip
• Rapid back-and-forth eye movements

Let us look at the some of the most common causes of Ataxia below:

• Stroke
• Cerebral palsy
• Autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, etc
• Vitamin deficiency (specifically Vitamins E, B-12, thiamin)
• Side effects of medication (chemotherapy, sedatives, etc)
• Alcoholism
• Genetic factors
• Viral infections like chicken pox have been known to cause Ataxia, but it typically abates with time
• Head trauma
• Parkinson’s disease

The occurrence of the symptoms of Ataxia may indicate an underlying disorder of the nervous system or damage to the cerebellum (Spinocerebellar Ataxia).

Ataxia can refer to Spinocerebellar Ataxia, which is a group of genetic, neurodegenerative conditions that affect the way the brain coordinates movements. In this case, the cause of the ataxia is not acquired but hereditary, based on faulty genes that cause the damage to the cerebellum.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects the proprioception of the human body – muscle control, balance and movement are drastically impacted by the disease. This is because of the deterioration of a particular part of the brain – the basal ganglia which causes the neurons in the brain to malfunction and eventually stop functioning altogether. With time, Parkinson’s results in the impairment of life skills too. It can cause uncontrollable and unintentional movements in the limbs, leading to tremor, loss of balance and muscular coordination, stiffness, slower or delayed movement, difficulty in speech, behavioural changes, sleep issues, fatigue, and more.

It is important to note that Ataxia is not a symptom of Parkinson’s. In fact, the latter may be the cause of the former!

Treating the two conditions

Treatment, however, can slow disease progression and manage the symptoms. Physiotherapy, stem cell therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy are all highly beneficial for improving the patient’s independence and mobility. There are also various exercises that specifically target tremors and help to reduce their frequency.

FAQs

What part of the brain is primarily damaged in Parkinson’s disease?

In Parkinson’s disease, the part of the brain that controls the body’s motor functions is primarily affected. This part is known as the substantia nigra, which in turn is a part of the basal ganglia, otherwise known as the brain’s circuit board. Nerve cells in the susbtantia nigra transmit messages through neurotransmitters (dopamine) to different muscles in the body to perform certain motor functions. In Parkinson’s disease, the susbstantia nigra’s production of dopamine is inhibited severely. This ultimately leads to the patient losing balance, motor coordination, and facing other challenges in performing even the most mundane of tasks.

Is Spinocerebellar Ataxia related to Parkinson’s?

Simply put, no. Spinocerebellar Ataxia is a genetic condition. It is a result of faulty genes damaging the cerebellum. In Parkinson’s disease, the brain’s ability to produce dopamine is seriously impacted.

At Plexus (Bangalore and Hyderabad). Stem Cell Therapy has shown incredible results in slowing the progress of both Parkinson’s disease and Spinocerebellar Ataxia. Headed by Dr Na’eem Sadiq, whose expertise and experience have given a new lease of life to many with Parkinson’s and Spinocerebellar Ataxia, the team of Stem Cell Specialist at Plexus offers you hope, resilience and the possibility of a brighter tomorrow.

Book an appointment with us today.

Call +91 89048 42087 | 080-2546 0886

080-2547 0886 | 080-2549 0886

A highly regarded neurologist and stem cell specialist, Dr Na’eem Sadiq studied neurology and clinical neurophysiology in London before working with some of England’s and the Middle East’s most prestigious medical institutions. He completed his MBBS