Treatment:

There is no specific treatment or cure for this disease. Therapy is aimed at treating symptoms and preventing complications. This may include:

• Speech and physical therapy
• Techniques to prevent choking
• Walking aids to help with balance and prevent falls

Expectations (prognosis):

The disease slowly gets worse, and there is no cure. The outlook is generally poor. However, it may be years before someone becomes significantly disabled.

Complications:

• Choking
• Infection from inhaling food into the lungs (aspiration pneumonia)
• Injury from falls
• Nutrition problems due to difficulty swallowing

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have any symptoms of olivopontocerebellar atrophy. You will need a referral to a neurologist.