There is no specific treatment or cure for this disease. Therapy is aimed at supportive care and prevention of complications. This may include evaluation of swallowing and use of techniques to prevent choking; speech and physical therapy, and use of walking aids to help with balance and prevent falls.
Prognosis is generally poor because the disease is progressive and incurable. However, different people progress at different rates and it may be years before some become significantly disabled.
Complications:
Complications may include injury from falls, choking, and aspiration pneumonia (infection following inhalation of food into the lungs), and poor nutritional intake due to difficulty swallowing.
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if you have any symptoms of olivopontocerebellar atrophy. Referral to a neurologist is necessary.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
.gif)
