Olivoponotocerebellum Atrophy

Does anyone know what Olivoponotocerebellum Atrophy is?  I know someone who has been diagnoised with this and she has resisted  going to western doctors for treatments, I am concerned that a nutrionist has told her that she has too much lead in her brain and she thinks eating cilantro chutney will cure her.  The doctors told her to take supplements but she claims they make her sick and won't take the medication.  I think she would get better results with trying regular medicine and doing some natural things in moderation.  

[Neuro Forum]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) falls under the category of diseases called "Multiple System Atrophy" or MSA, of which there are 3 types. These disorders include features of parkinsonism (rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural instability leading to frequent falls) i.e. they have some features of Parkinson's disease. Unlike Parkinson's disease, they don't have the typical rest tremor, and they do not respond to medications Parkinson's patients respond to. Other features are attributed to part of the brain called cerebellum which is involved in precision of movements and coordination of movement and balance. Patients with MSA also have sleep apnea, can suffer from wide fluctuations in blood pressure, have GI and urinary symptoms as well such as incontinence of urine. Some patients have problems with memory and develop hallucinations and depression.

Treatment may include a medication called Levodopa, which is used in Parkinson's disease. it may provide some benefit with the rigidity and slowness of movement. Treatment of the blood pressure fluctuations (which usually include low blood pressure when standing but often too high of a blood pressure when lying down), treatment of sleep apnea, hallucinations, urinary symptoms, and prevention of falls is also an important part of the management of MSA. MSA has no cure at this time.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.