Symptoms:

Many symptoms are associated with olivopontocerebellar atrophy, but the main symptom is clumsiness (ataxia) that slowly gets worse. There may also be problems with balance, slurring of speech, and difficulty walking. Other symptoms may include:

• Tremor
• Abnormal movements
• Abnormal eye movements
• Sexual function problems
• Bowel or bladder problems
• Muscle stiffness or rigidity
• Muscle spasms
• Nerve damage
• Difficulty swallowing

Signs and tests:

A thorough medical and neurological examination as well as a good history of symptoms and family history are necessary to make the diagnosis. There are no specific tests for this condition.

An MRI of the brain may show changes in the size of the brain structures. This is helpful in making the diagnosis, but lack of these findings does not necessarily rule out the condition.

Other tests may be done to rule out other conditions. This may include swallowing studies to see if a person can safely swallow food and liquid.