Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy
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Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy Overview

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What is the definition of Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy?
Olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) is a term used for a progressive condition characterized by the degeneration of nerve cells (neurons) in specific areas of the brain. OPCA can be viewed as a finding of several diseases, and indicates a form of progressive ataxia (abnormal or uncontrolled movements) distinguished by characteristic findings in brain imaging studies and at autopsy (pontine flattening and cerebellar atrophy). It was traditionally divided in hereditary or genetic OPCA and sporadic OPCA. Currently, most of the major forms of hereditary OPCA refer to disorders that overlap with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), which is a neurological disorder characterized by ataxia. The sporadic forms are considered now to be a form of multiple system atrophy (MSA). OPCA may also occur in people with prion disorders and inherited metabolic diseases. The main symptom is clumsiness that slowly gets worse. Other symptoms may include problems with balance; speech or swallowing problems; difficulty walking; abnormal eye movements; muscle spasms; and neuropathy. Whether OPCA is inherited (and the inheritance pattern) depends on the underlying cause, if known.
What are the alternative names for Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy?
  • Olivopontocerebellar atrophy
  • OPCA
Who are the top Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy Local Doctors?
Elite in Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy
Elite in Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy
Referral may be required

East Ann Arbor Health & Geriatrics Center

4260 Plymouth Rd, Level 1, 
Ann Arbor, MI 
734-764-6831
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Henry Paulson is a Neurologist practicing medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr. Paulson is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy. He is also highly rated in 41 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy, Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3, Spinocerebellar Ataxia, and Drug Induced Dyskinesia. Dr. Paulson is board certified in Neurology. Dr. Paulson is currently accepting new patients.

Elite in Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy
Dr. Puneet Opal
Neurology
Elite in Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy
Dr. Puneet Opal
Neurology
Referral may be required
259 E Erie St Ste 1900, Lavin Family Pavilion, 
Chicago, IL 
312-695-7950
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Puneet Opal is a Neurologist practicing medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Opal is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy. He is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1, Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy, Giant Axonal Neuropathy, and Spinocerebellar Ataxia. Dr. Opal is board certified in American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology - Neurology (Certified). Dr. Opal is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy
Elite in Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy
Referral may be required

UChicago Medicine Duchossois Center For Advanced Medicine - Hyde Park

5758 S. Maryland Ave., 
Chicago, IL 
888-824-0200
Languages Spoken:
English, Spanish
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Christopher Gomez is a Neurologist practicing medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Gomez is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy. He is also highly rated in 40 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy, Acute Cerebellar Ataxia, Gastrostomy, and Stent Placement. Dr. Gomez is board certified in Neurology and Practicing Since1990. Dr. Gomez is currently accepting new patients.

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What are the latest Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy Clinical Trials?
Effects of N-Acetyl-L-Leucine on CACNA1A Disorders: A Phase III, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blind, Crossover Study
Effects of N-Acetyl-L-Leucine on CACNA1A Disorders: A Phase III, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blind, Crossover Study
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: September 08, 2026
Intervention Type: Drug, Other
Study Phase: Phase 3

Summary: A pivotal, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center therapeutic study for patients age 4 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of CACNA1A. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of N-acetyl-L-leucine (IB1001) compared to standard of care.

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A Phase 1/2a, Open-label Trial to Investigate the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Multiple Ascending Doses of Intrathecally Administered VO659 in Participants With Spinocerebellar Ataxia Types 1, 3 and Huntington's Disease
A Phase 1/2a, Open-label Trial to Investigate the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Multiple Ascending Doses of Intrathecally Administered VO659 in Participants With Spinocerebellar Ataxia Types 1, 3 and Huntington's Disease
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: August 19, 2026
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Phase: Phase 1/Phase 2

Summary: The goal of this first-in-human clinical trial is to assess the safety and tolerability of four doses of a new study drug called VO659 in people with genetic disorders called spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, type 3 or Huntington's disease. Another aim is to determine the concentrations of the study drug in the cerebral spinal fluid and blood after single and multiple doses. Study drug will be admini...

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Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: May 02, 2022
Published By: Genetic and Rare Diseases Informnation Center