Sporadic (non-hereditary) ataxia

Olivo-Ponto_Cerebellar Atrophy (OPCA)
This is a degenerative disease similar to Parkinson's disease but affects the cerebellum and brain stem (pons and medulla). The name currently used is MSA-C (multi-system atrophy-cerebellar type) to differentiated from the Parkinson's type (MSA-P). MSA-C is a progressive disease, however progression rate varies considerably from person to person. Symptoms include ataxia with incoordination of the arms and gait, poor balance slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. The diagnosis is made after ruling out other causes of ataxia. Similar to ataxia, treatment is supportive.

Common Causes of Sporadic Ataxia Secondary to an Underlying Disease

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Wheat allergies
• Thyroid disease
• Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies
• Chronic hypoglycemia
• Paraneoplastic syndromes
• Infections
• Stroke
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Medications
• Environmental toxins
• Alcohol