Corticobasal degeneration (patient information)

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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [mailto:mgibson@perfuse.org] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.

Overview
Corticobasal degeneration is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by nerve cell loss and atrophy (shrinkage) of multiple areas of the brain including the cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia.

What are the symptoms of Corticobasal degeneration?

 * Initial symptoms, which typically begin at or around age 60, may first appear on one side of the body (unilateral), but eventually affect both sides as the disease progresses.


 * Symptoms include:
 * Poor coordination,
 * Akinesia (an absence of movements),
 * Rigidity (a resistance to imposed movement),
 * Disequilibrium (impaired balance),
 * Limb dystonia (abnormal muscle postures).


 * Other symptoms:
 * Cognitive and visual-spatial impairments,
 * Apraxia (loss of the ability to make familiar, purposeful movements),
 * Hesitant and halting speech,
 * Myoclonus (muscular jerks),
 * Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).

Treatment options

 * There is no treatment available to slow the course of corticobasal degeneration, and the symptoms of the disease are generally resistant to therapy.


 * Drugs used to treat Parkinson disease-type symptoms do not produce any significant or sustained improvement.


 * Clonazepam may help the myoclonus.


 * Occupational, physical, and speech therapy can help in managing disability.

Diseases with similar symptoms

 * Parkinson's disease

Where to find medical care for Corticobasal degeneration?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Corticobasal degeneration

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

 * Corticobasal degeneration usually progresses slowly over the course of 6 to 8 years.


 * An individual with corticobasal degeneration eventually becomes unable to walk.

Possible complications

 * Death is generally caused by pneumonia
 * Other complications of severe debility such as sepsis or pulmonary embolism.

Source
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke