Spinocerebellar ataxia 28

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Alternate names[edit | edit source]

SCA28; Spinocerebellar ataxia type 28

Definition[edit | edit source]

Spinocerebellar ataxia 28 (SCA28)is a slowly progressive movement disorder that typically begins in early adulthood (but can affect children and older adults as well).



Cause[edit | edit source]

SCA28 is caused by changes in the AFG3L2 gene.

Inheritance[edit | edit source]

Autosomal dominant pattern, a 50/50 chance.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 28 (SCA28) is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.

Signs and symptoms[edit | edit source]

Early signs and symptoms include problems with coordination and balance when walking (gait ataxia), speech and swallowing difficulties (dysarthria), over-reactive reflex reactions in knees and ankles (hyperreflexia), weakness in the muscles that control eye movement (ophthalmoparesis), uncontrolled movement of the eye (nystagmus) and drooping eyelid (ptosis). The symptoms worsen very slowly over time.

For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. 80%-99% of people have these symptoms

30%-79% of people have these symptoms

5%-29% of people have these symptoms

1%-4% of people have these symptoms

  • Depressivity(Depression)
  • Head tremor
  • Limb dystonia
  • Memory impairment(Forgetfulness)
  • Rigidity(Muscle rigidity)
  • Spasticity(Involuntary muscle stiffness, contraction, or spasm)

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 28 (SCA28) should be suspected in individuals with the following:[1][1].

Establishing the Diagnosis The diagnosis of SCA28 is established in a proband with typical clinical findings and identification of a heterozygous pathogenic variant in AFG3L2 by molecular genetic testing.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

At present, only symptomatic treatments are available. These include the following:[2]

  • Crutches (less often canes) and walkers
  • Home adaptations including grab bars for the bathtub or shower chairs and raised toilet seats as needed
  • Physical therapy to ameliorate coordination difficulties, especially with tasks such as eating, dressing, walking, and bathing
  • Stretching exercise for those with pyramidal involvement to avoid contractions and lack of comfort during sleep
  • Speech/language therapy for dysarthria and swallowing difficulties
  • Surgical intervention as needed for severe ptosis

Prevention of Secondary Complications[edit | edit source]

Psychological support helps affected individuals cope with the consequences of the disease. Weight control can facilitate ambulation. To avoid complications such as aspiration pneumonia, thickened feeds or gastrostomy should be considered.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Brussino A, Brusco A, Durr A, et al. Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 28. 2011 May 17 [Updated 2018 Mar 22]. In: Adam MP, Ardinger HH, Pagon RA, et al., editors. GeneReviews® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK54582/
  2. Brussino A, Brusco A, Durr A, et al. Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 28. 2011 May 17 [Updated 2018 Mar 22]. In: Adam MP, Ardinger HH, Pagon RA, et al., editors. GeneReviews® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK54582/



NIH genetic and rare disease info[edit source]

Spinocerebellar ataxia 28 is a rare disease.


Spinocerebellar ataxia 28 Resources

Contributors: Deepika vegiraju