Description

Degeneration Corticobasal, also called corticobasal syndrome, is a rare disease that causes areas of the brain to reduce the size. Over time, the nerve cells break down and die.

Degeneration Corticobasal affects the area of the brain that processes the information, and the brain structures that control movement. People with this disease have problems with the movement on one or both sides of the body. Problems with the movement gets worse with time.

Symptoms can also include lack of coordination, stiffness, difficulty thinking, and problems with speech or language.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the degeneration, corticobasal (corticobasal syndrome) include:

  • Trouble moving one or both sides of the body, which gets worse with time.
  • Poor coordination.
  • Problems with balance.
  • Stiffness.
  • The positions of the hands or feet that can not be controlled. For example, the hand can become a fist.
  • The muscle jerks.
  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • The changes in the eye movements.
  • Problems with thinking and language.
  • Changes in speech, such as the slow and hesitant voice.

Degeneration Corticobasal worsens over 6 to 8 years. Finally, people with the disease lose the ability to walk.

Causes

The degeneration Corticobasal (corticobasal syndrome) can have several causes. Most commonly, the disease results from a buildup of a protein called tau in the brain of the cell. The accumulation of the tau protein can lead to the rupture of the cells. This can cause symptoms of degeneration corticobasal.

Half of the people who have the symptoms of the degeneration, corticobasal. But the second most common cause of degeneration corticobasal symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Other causes of the degeneration corticobasal include progressive supranuclear palsy, Pick's disease, or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Risk factors

There are No known risk factors for degeneration corticobasal (corticobasal syndrome).

Complications

People with degeneration corticobasal (corticobasal syndrome) may develop serious complications. People with the disease can develop pneumonia, blood clots in the lungs or in a dangerous response to an infection known as sepsis. Complications often lead to death.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of degeneration corticobasal (corticobasal syndrome) is based on the symptoms, exams and tests. However, your symptoms may be due to another disease that affects the brain. The conditions that cause similar symptoms include progressive supranuclear palsy, Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

You may need an imaging test such as an mri or a ct scan to rule out these other conditions. Sometimes, these tests are done every few months to look for changes in the brain.

Positron emission tomography (PET) can identify changes in the brain associated with the degeneration corticobasal. However, further research is required in this area.

Your healthcare provider can test your blood or cerebrospinal fluid for beta-amyloid and tau proteins. This can determine if Alzheimer's disease is the cause of your symptoms.

Treatment

There are No treatments that help to slow the progression of the degeneration corticobasal (corticobasal syndrome). But if the symptoms are due to Alzheimer's disease, new drugs may be available. Your health care professional may recommend medications to try to manage their symptoms.

Physical and occupational therapy can help you cope with the disability caused by the degeneration corticobasal. Walking devices can assist with mobility and prevent falls. Speech therapy can help with communication and swallowing. A dietitian can help you to ensure that you get adequate nutrition and reduce the risk of inhaling food into the lungs, known as aspiration.

Preparing for your appointment

You can start by seeing your health care professional. Or you may be referred immediately to a specialist, such as a neurologist.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do beforehand. For example, you could ask if you need to fast before a specific test. Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms , including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
  • Key personal information , including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.
  • All medications, vitamins or supplements that you are taking, including the dosage.
  • Questions to ask.

Have a family member or a friend to help you remember the information they give you.

For the degeneration corticobasal, some basic questions to ask include:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms?
  • Other that the most likely cause, what are other possible causes of the symptoms?
  • What tests do I need?
  • Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
  • I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • There are restrictions that must be followed?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare provider is likely to ask several questions, such as:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • How bad are the symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
Symptoms and treatment of the degeneration Corticobasal (corticobasal syndrome)