How Occupational Therapy Works for Spinocerebellar Ataxia?

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How Occupational Therapy Works for
Spinocerebellar Ataxia?
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Understanding Spinocerebellar Ataxia

• Spinocerebellar Ataxia, also known as
  spinocerebellar atrophy, or spinocerebellar
  degeneration is a genetic disease caused by
  either a recessive or dominant gene.
• It refers to a group of ataxias that are known to
  be hereditary and cause harm to the cerebellum,
  the part of the brain which maintains balance and
  controls movements.
• Spinocerebellar Ataxia may result in
  non-coordinated gait, impaired hand-eye
  coordination, and abnormal speech.
• Because this condition affects the nervous
  system, it is also referred to as a nervous
  disorder.
• Spinocerebellar Ataxia has no cure, but can be
  managed with a tailored Ataxia treatment program
  that includes Stem Cell Therapy.

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Symptoms of Spinocerebellar Ataxia

• Involuntary eye movements
• Poor hand-eye coordination
• Balance and coordination problems
• Learning and memory problems
• Uncoordinated walking
• Loss of fine motor skills
• Speech problems
• Spasticity
• Fatigue

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Occupational Therapy and Spinocerebellar Ataxia

• As the Spinocerebellar Ataxia progresses, the
  patient gradually lose the ability to perform the
  essential daily tasks of life.
• Occupational Therapy is a form of Ataxia
  treatment in which the patient learns how to
  independently perform tasks like eating, washing,
  and getting dressed.
• An occupational therapist will analyze the
  patient and assess their ability to perform daily
  tasks on their own, the nature of the tasks they
  need to perform, the kind of environment they
  live and work in, the kind of physical assistance
  that is accessible, as well as the patients own
  preferences.
• They will then work with the patient to develop a
  program best suited to their specific needs and
  impairments.

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Occupational Therapy and Spinocerebellar Ataxia

• There are four main aspects to the treatment, as
  follows
• Strategies and techniques, including functional
  exercises and tips on dealing with fatigue
• Use of assistive devices such as specially
  designed cutlery, electronic devices with bigger
  buttons, and voice-activated software for
  communication
• Use of mobility aids to get around better, such
  as crutches, walkers, or wheelchairs
• Changes to the environment to maximize patient
  safety and comfort, such as installing rails
  around the house for support or using non slip
  mats to avoid falls

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Other Treatments for Spinocerebellar Ataxia

• Physical Therapy This involves various exercises
  to strengthen and stretch the patients muscles
  for improved functionality, better coordination,
  improved gait, and reduced pain. The physical
  therapist will recommend tailored exercises to
  improve gross and fine motor skills, correct
  spasticity, and reduce the risk of muscular or
  bone deformations.
• Speech Therapy As the Ataxia affects voluntary
  movements like speaking and swallowing, Speech
  Therapy is necessary to improve control over the
  muscles in the mouth, tongue, and jaw. The speech
  therapist will guide the patient through
  exercises to improve articulation, chew food
  properly, swallow safely, and control their
  breathing.
• Stem Cell Therapy This is a highly promising
  form of Ataxia treatment in which the patients
  own cells are used to help regenerate the cells
  damaged by the Spinocerebellar Ataxia.

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Thank you.