Guest guest Posted January 16, 2002 Report Share Posted January 16, 2002 Jill, don't know if that is medical term for a specific disease entity, but to me that diagnosis idiopathic cerebellar degeneration could be inclusive of MSA. By literal definition, it simply means the individual has cerebellar degeneration of unknown and/or spontaneous cause. Jerry Cash NOT MSA Hello has been today to see the big chief for results of all his tests, thankfully he has not got MSA (as yet) the diagnois is IDIOPATHIC CEREBELLAR DEGENERATION. despite his calmness, he could not really tell us what to expect in the future, and what sort of future has. Have any of you any idea? JILL If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may unsubscribe by sending a blank email to shydrager-unsubscribe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2002 Report Share Posted January 16, 2002 I agree with Jerry. Idiopathic cerebellar degeneration is simply another term interchangeable with Olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) and OPCA can fall under the MSA umbrella. This website is the most up to date on the OPCA subject. Symptoms progress for everyone differently. http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic282.htm Hugs, Pam NOT MSA > > > > Hello > > has been today to see the big chief for results of all his tests, > thankfully he has not got MSA (as yet) the diagnois is > IDIOPATHIC CEREBELLAR DEGENERATION. despite his calmness, he could not > really tell us what to expect in the future, and what sort of future > has. > > Have any of you any idea? > > JILL > > If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may > unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > > shydrager-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2002 Report Share Posted January 16, 2002 Greetings Jill! Hmmm... As Bill noted, Idiopathic Cerebellar Degeneration only indicates the cerebellum is degenerating (loosing brain cells). So far, there is no physical or genetic cause. That is, to the best of everyone's knowledge, there was no stroke or other such factor, or genetic problem. From the following website (http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic282.htm) we find the following: > While MSAs are sporadic by definition, the genetic bases of > the SCAs are increasingly well defined. Since OPCA may exist > as a sporadic or inherited disease, categorizing sporadic OPCA > as MSA and inherited OPCA as SCA may be appropriate. Differences > between sporadic and inherited OPCA in microscopic pathology > support this division. In other words, until an autopsy can be performed, or a genetic basis CAN be proven, then it is best to consider it as possible MSA. A previous study found that 25% of patients with Sporadic OPCA later develop full MSA symptoms. Until we know a LOT more about genetics, we can not be certain if a genetic flaw exists in your . Some logical assumptions must be made. If has no family history, and had the genetic tests done, then you must assume that either has an unidentified genetic flaw, or it is another problem, such as MSA. Regardless of the cause, management is the only option. And even if you knew it was MSA, there would be no way to know where it was heading. All of these disorders are so very individualized, it's hard to tell what will happen or when. So, enjoy the time you have, and try to live life fully. Regards, =jbf= B. Fisher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2002 Report Share Posted January 16, 2002 Jill, I think the Big Chief was indicating that he isn't ready to commit to anything. He identified the exact problem and didn't take it any further. It's not unusual for a patient to get this kind of a " non- diagnosis " early on. They understandably don't want to tell a patient they have something terrible and have it turn out to be something much less awful. Accept the fact that they don't know what is causing the problem and treat the symptoms. Unfortunately that's all any of can do anyway, although it is somehow nice to be able to put a label on it. Carol & Rob > > Thank you for your replies, do you think I can assume that the Big Chief was not quite telling the truth when he said had > neither MSA or OPCA, > > JILL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2002 Report Share Posted January 17, 2002 Gillian, To doctor's it may be different. But as a caregiver or patient it does matter if you call it a wart. We must concentrate on treating the symptoms as there is no cure for ANY of these alphabet soup disorders. Exercise, drink liquids and manage symptoms - that is what we have to concentrate on. Take care, Bill Werre ================ Gillian Bourke wrote: > Thank you for your replies, do you think I can assume that the Big Chief was not quite telling the truth when he said had > neither MSA or OPCA, > > JILL > > If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may > unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > > shydrager-unsubscribe > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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