$Unique_ID{BRK04086}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Parenchymatous Cortical Degeneration of the Cerebellum}
$Subject{Parenchymatous Cortical Degeneration of the Cerebellum Parenchymatous
Cerebellar Disease}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1986 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

150:
Parenchymatous Cortical Degeneration of the Cerebellum

** IMPORTANT **
It is possible the main title of the article (Parenchymatous Cortical
Degeneration of the Cerebellum) is not the name you expected.  Please check
the SYNONYMS listing to find the alternate names and disorder subdivisions
covered by this article.

Synonyms

     Parenchymatous Cerebellar Disease

General Discussion

** REMINDER **
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
educational purposes only.  It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
purposes.  If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources"
section.


In Parenchymatous Cortical Degeneration of the Cerebellum, the
superficial layer of the cerebellum, a part of the brain responsible for
motor coordination, deteriorates.  The disease may be inherited, or it may
develop in association with underlying diseases such as cancer or alcoholism.
It is progressive with increasing disability.

Symptoms

Onset of Parenchymatous Cortical Degeneration of the Cerebellum may occur at
any time, but it is most common during adulthood.  Speech becomes slurred and
the gait halting and unsteady.  There may be tremor in the legs and later in
the course of disease, difficulty moving the arms in a coordinated manner.
In severe cases, intellectual abilities may deteriorate.

Microscopically, the loss of certain cells and fibers of the cerebellar
cortex (such as Purkinje cells, granular cells, olivocerebellar fibers, etc.)
is apparent.  The macroscopic appearance of the cerebellum also changes.

Causes

Parenchymatous Cortical Degeneration of the Cerebellum may be inherited.  It
may also follow or accompany underlying disease, especially cancer and
alcoholism.

Therapies:  Standard

Treatment of Parenchymatous Cortical Degeneration of the Cerebellum is
symptomatic and supportive.

Therapies:  Investigational

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through April
1989.  Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every
entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate.  Please
check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current
information about this disorder.

Resources

For more information on Parenchymatous Cortical Degeneration of the
Cerebellum, please contact:

     National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
     P.O. Box 8923
     New Fairfield, CT  06812-1783
     (203) 746-6518

     NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke (NINDS)
     9000 Rockville Pike
     Bethesda, MD  20892
     (301) 496-5751
     (800) 352-9424

     NIH/National Institute on Aging (NIA)
     9000 Rockville Pike
     Bethesda, MD  20892
     (301) 496-1752

     International Tremor Foundation
     360 W. Superior St.
     Chicago, IL  60610
     (312) 664-2344

For information on genetics and genetic counseling referrals, please
contact:

     March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
     1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
     White Plains, NY  10605
     (914) 428-7100

     Alliance of Genetic Support Groups
     35 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 440
     Chevy Chase, MD  20815
     (800) 336-GENE
     (301) 652-5553