Abstract

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of autosomal dominant neurodegenerative diseases that are characterized by cerebellar ataxia. The most common types of SCAs are caused by polyglutamine (polyQ)-encoding cytosine-adenine-guanine repeat expansions. Autosomal dominant SCAs share similar pathophysiological mechanisms. The cerebellum plays an important role in the generation and control of eye movement, and neuropathological findings indicate that cerebellar degeneration is commonly present in polyQ-SCAs. As a result, various patterns of oculomotor impairment are present in most SCA subtypes. The present review summarizes the visual oculomotor abnormalities and vestibulo-ocular reflex dynamics of the most common polyQ-SCAs, as well as their genetic, clinical and neuropathological features. In conclusion, the systemic evaluation of eye movement features is useful in the differential diagnosis of polyQ-SCAs.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.