Re: Cerebellum Atrophy

Posted By CCF MD mdf on March 30, 1998 at 11:47:58:

In Reply to: Cerebellum Atrophy posted by Rajiv Pattanaik on March 30, 1998 at 10:46:24:






To whom it may concern:
I am writing this requesting for information with regard to diagnosis,
treatment options, latest research findings etc. for a condition that
my brother in India is faced with.  I am giving some details here.
About three years back my brother (himself a paediatrician) started
noticing the deterioration of his vision.  He lost his lateral
vision.  He could not see objects that are to his left and right side
as well as objects at lower levels.  Fortunately, this deterioration
has stopped (has not further worsened in the last 2 years).  He does
not have trouble seeing objects directly in front of him.  He has
problems seeing objects on the ground, climbing steps, seeing side ways.
He has consulted some specialists in India, whose diagnosis has been
Cerebellum Atrophy/Cerebellar Degeneration.  I do not know whther
the two things are similar or related.  I also do not know whether the
diagnosis is accurate.
I would sincerely appreciate any information in this regard and
about some of the places here in the US, that we could go to for
diagnosis/treatment.  
Many thanks for the responses.
=
The symptoms you mention are suggestive of a visual system problem, which could be related to loss of function in the retina, optic nerve, or parts of the brain dedicated to visual system processing. I would be doubtful that cerebellar malfunction per se would contribute to this symptom.
Cerebellar problems usually lead to ataxia. That is, clumsiness in using hands and feet, clumsiness walking, and certain abnormalities in moving eyes to track moving objects or to flit from one spot to another.
So as you can see, the symptoms don't exactly match up. HOWEVER, there are hereditary forms of cerebellar disease in which visual impairment as well as clumsiness are found. These are rare diseases, but it is worth considering.
If your main problem is visual, see a neuro-ophthalmolgist. If your main problem is clumsiness, see a movement disorders specialist (sub-specialty of neurology). At the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, both specialties are available and we'd be happy to see you if you call 216 444-5559 (or in the US, toll-free at 800-223-2273 and ask for neurology appointments).
Hope this helps. This information is provided for your general medical education purposes only. Any specific comments regarding diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis should come from your doctor after careful interview and examination. CCF MD mdf.