OPCA; Olivopontocerebellar degeneration; Multiple system atrophy – cerebellar predominance; MSA-C

There is no specific treatment or cure for this disease. Therapy is aimed at treating symptoms and preventing complications. This may include:

• Tremor medications, such as those used to treat Parkinson's disease
• Speech and physical therapy
• Techniques to prevent choking
• Walking aids to help with balance and prevent falls

The disease slowly gets worse, and there is no cure. The outlook is generally poor. However, it may be years before someone becomes significantly disabled.

• Choking
• Infection from inhaling food into the lungs (aspiration pneumonia)
• Injury from falls
• Nutrition problems due to difficulty swallowing

Call your health care provider if you have any symptoms of olivopontocerebellar atrophy. You will need a referral to a neurologist.

Images

Central nervous system

Review Date: 08/27/2010
Reviewed By: Daniel B. Hoch, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)