Machado-Joseph Syndrome - Symptom, Treatment and cause of Machado-Joseph Syndrome
Machado-Joseph Syndrome Description
(Azorean Disease)
Progressive degeneration of the lower part of the brain (cerebellum) and the adjacent spinal cord.
Machado-Joseph Syndrome Cause
Congenital condition that passes readily from one generation to the next. First discovered in the Azores Islands in the North Atlantic.
Machado-Joseph Syndrome Symptom
Muscle spasticity and rigidity, poor coordination, inability to speak clearly, limb weakness and a fixed facial expression are the common symptoms. Tremor, eye movement paralysis and eye twitching may also occur.
Investigation
Abnormal brain appearance on CT scan.
Machado-Joseph Syndrome Treatment
Drugs such as levodopa and baclofen help ease rigidity and spasticity.
Complications
Joint damage from muscle spasms.
Prognosis
No cure. Slow proressive.
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