opca
Creating awareness for Olivopontocerebellar atrophy and other ataxias!
sporadic: olivopontocerebellar atrophy or degeneration, olivocerebellar atrophy or degeneration, Multisystem atrophy (MSA), ataxia Marie's ataxia, Holmes ataxia , Menzel's ataxia, ataxia with parkinsonism, autonomic neuropathy, corticospinal features or dementia spastic ataxia, etc.
hereditary: olivopontocerebellar atrophy, spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), SCA # "slow-eye movement" ataxia, Machado-Joseph disease, "pure" cerebellar ataxia, OPCA #, ataxia with ophthalmoplegia, ataxia with retinopathy, Marie's ataxia, Holmes ataxia, Menzel's ataxia, spinopontine atrophy, etc.
- Olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) refers to a group of ataxias characterized by progressive neurological degeneration affecting the cerebellum, the pons and the inferior olives.
- You can read more about OPCA (hereditary and sporadic).
A Reflection from Ed Wall (.pdf file)
What is OPCA?
Medical Response:
Olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) refers to a group of ataxias characterized by progressive neurological degeneration affecting the cerebellum, the pons and the inferior olives. OPCA may be classified based on clinical, genetic, or neuropathological findings; thus, there are many classifications of the disorder. Among the different classifications there is wide variation in severity and age of onset. The symptoms of OPCA differ from person to person. Most patients experience difficulty with balance and coordination of the legs and arms (ataxia). Other symptoms may include muscle spasms or weakness and stiffness of the muscles; numbness or tingling of the hands or feet; tremor (shaking) of the hand or arm; reduction or slowness of movements; loss of thinking and/or memory skills; difficulty controlling the bladder or bowels; and feeling faint when standing up. Some patients also have fatigue and/or trouble with sleep. Generally symptoms of OPCA begin in mid-adult life and progress slowly over the course of many years.
You can read more about hereditary and sporadic OPCA/ataxia.
What is OPCA?
Medical Response:
Olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) refers to a group of ataxias characterized by progressive neurological degeneration affecting the cerebellum, the pons and the inferior olives. OPCA may be classified based on clinical, genetic, or neuropathological findings; thus, there are many classifications of the disorder. Among the different classifications there is wide variation in severity and age of onset. The symptoms of OPCA differ from person to person. Most patients experience difficulty with balance and coordination of the legs and arms (ataxia). Other symptoms may include muscle spasms or weakness and stiffness of the muscles; numbness or tingling of the hands or feet; tremor (shaking) of the hand or arm; reduction or slowness of movements; loss of thinking and/or memory skills; difficulty controlling the bladder or bowels; and feeling faint when standing up. Some patients also have fatigue and/or trouble with sleep. Generally symptoms of OPCA begin in mid-adult life and progress slowly over the course of many years.
You can read more about hereditary and sporadic OPCA/ataxia.
OPCA Treatment
There is no specific treatment for OPCA (Olivoponto Cerebellar Atrophy). Every person is different. Neurologists may try different medications to treat the ataxia, tremor and rigidity that are associated with the disorder. Other treatments are directed at specific symptoms. Stiffness, spasms, sleep disorders, depression, and tremor may be improved with medication. A physical therapist may be helpful in establishing a routine of exercise and stretching, and in obtaining devices or appliances to assist in walking and other daily activities.
You can read more about hereditary and sporadic OPCA/ataxia.
OPCA Support
Please visit our (new and improved)
upport & Discussion Forum and Chat: www.opca.proboards.com!
The old forum with years of discussion history, a great resource, can be found here: