Warning Signs Of Cerebellar Degeneration

Cerebellar degeneration occurs when the neurons in the cerebellum deteriorate. The cerebellum is the portion of the brain that controls balance and muscle coordination. A number of conditions can lead to cerebellar degeneration, and some of these might also affect other portions of the brain and spinal cord. There are a number of neurological symptoms to look out for. Cerebellar degeneration has multiple causes. It may be related to chronic alcohol abuse or inherited gene mutations. It may also be a paraneoplastic syndrome, in which the immune system attacks the cerebellum while trying to attack cancer. There are a variety of treatments, but before a treatment plan can be established, a doctor needs to locate the underlying cause of the condition.

In any case, it is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of cerebellar degeneration.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is a medical term used when patients have difficulty swallowing. When it's hard to start swallowing, the condition is called oropharyngeal dysphagia. The condition can also cause food to feel stuck in the chest or throat, where it is called esophageal dysphagia. The oropharyngeal type might happen because the nerves and muscles in the back of the throat, upper esophagus, and mouth are functioning abnormally. This dysfunction, in turn, might be caused by cerebellar degeneration. Patients with dysphagia may experience pain when they swallow, but pain during swallowing alone isn't dysphagia. Instead, pain during swallowing is called odynophagia, and it's often caused by an inflammation or infection of the esophagus. The condition should also be differentiated from globus sensation, a condition in which individuals constantly feel like something is stuck in their throat. Globus sensation presents without difficulty swallowing.

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