Spinocerebellar ataxia
Definition
The spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of inherited conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord causing progressive difficulty with coordination.
Description
The SCAs are named for the parts of the nervous system that are affected in this condition. Spino refers to the spinal cord and cerebellar refers to the cerebellum or back part of the brain. The cerebellum is the area of the brain that controls coordination. In people with SCA, the cerebellum often becomes atrophied or smaller. Symptoms of SCA usually begin in the 30s or 40s, but onset can be at any age. Onset from childhood through the 70s has been reported.
As of early 2001, at least 13 different types of SCA have been described. This group is numbered 1-14 and each is caused by mutations...
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