Spinocerebellar Ataxia
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Spinocerebellar Ataxia Overview

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Learn About Spinocerebellar Ataxia

View Main Condition: Movement Disorders

What is the definition of Spinocerebellar Ataxia?
Spinocerebellar ataxia is a genetic disorder that has many different types. Ataxia is a term that refers to difficulties with movement, balance, coordination, and speech. Spinocerebellar ataxia can appear at any age and is a progressive disorder.
What are the symptoms of Spinocerebellar Ataxia?
Symptoms of spinocerebellar ataxia depend on the type. Symptoms of spinocerebellar ataxia may appear suddenly or develop over time. Common symptoms of spinocerebellar ataxia include weakness, loss of sensation, and difficulty with eye movements. Additional symptoms of spinocerebellar ataxia may include back-and-forth eye movements, clumsiness, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, loss of fine motor skills, muscle tremors, decreased coordination, difficulty walking, wide-set gait, impaired balance, frequent falls, and heart problems.
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What are the current treatments for Spinocerebellar Ataxia?
There is currently no cure for spinocerebellar ataxia. Treatment for spinocerebellar ataxia depends on the type. Treatment for spinocerebellar ataxia is focused on managing the symptoms and improving mobility. Treatments for symptoms of spinocerebellar ataxia may include medications; physical therapy; occupational therapy; speech therapy; and assistive mobility devices, such as modified eating utensils, communication aids, canes, hiking sticks, walker, wheelchair, or motorized scooter.
Who are the top Spinocerebellar Ataxia Local Doctors?
Puneet Opal
Elite in Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Dr. Puneet Opal
Neurology
Elite in Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Dr. Puneet Opal
Neurology
259 E Erie St Ste 1900, Lavin Family Pavilion, 
Chicago, IL 
312-695-7950
Experience:
37+ years
Languages Spoken:
English
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Offers Telehealth

Puneet Opal is a Neurologist in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Opal has been practicing medicine for over 37 years and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Spinocerebellar Ataxia. His top areas of expertise are Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1, Giant Axonal Neuropathy, Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy, and Spinocerebellar Ataxia.

Elite in Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Dr. Susan Perlman
Neurology
Elite in Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Dr. Susan Perlman
Neurology

Office

300 Medical Plz, 
Los Angeles, CA 
310-794-1195
Languages Spoken:
English
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Offers Telehealth

Susan Perlman is a Neurologist in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Perlman is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Spinocerebellar Ataxia. Her top areas of expertise are Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Friedreich Ataxia, Drug Induced Dyskinesia, and Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Dr. Jeremy Schmahmann
Neurology
Elite in Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Dr. Jeremy Schmahmann
Neurology

Massachusetts General Hospital

55 Fruit St, 
Boston, MA 
617-726-3216
Languages Spoken:
English
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Offers Telehealth

Jeremy Schmahmann is a Neurologist in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Schmahmann is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Spinocerebellar Ataxia. His top areas of expertise are Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Acute Cerebellar Ataxia, Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy, Drug Induced Dyskinesia, and Gastrostomy.

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What are the latest Spinocerebellar Ataxia Clinical Trials?
Characteristics And Clinical Course Of Disease In Participants With Cardiomyopathy Associated With Friedreich Ataxia (CLARITY-FA)
Characteristics And Clinical Course Of Disease In Participants With Cardiomyopathy Associated With Friedreich Ataxia (CLARITY-FA)
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: February 06, 2026

Summary: Characteristics and clinical course of disease In participants with cardiomyopathy associated with Friedreich Ataxia (CLARITY-FA)

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A Phase 3, 2-Part, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study (Part 1) and Open-Label Extension (Part 2) to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Omaveloxolone (BIIB141) in Participants With Friedreich's Ataxia Aged 2 to < 16 Years
A Phase 3, 2-Part, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study (Part 1) and Open-Label Extension (Part 2) to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Omaveloxolone (BIIB141) in Participants With Friedreich's Ataxia Aged 2 to < 16 Years
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: February 06, 2026
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Phase: Phase 3

Summary: In this study, researchers will learn more about the effects and safety of BIIB141, also known as omaveloxolone or SKYCLARYS®. This drug has been approved, or made available for doctors to prescribe, for people with Friedreich's Ataxia (FA) who are at least 16 years old. But, it is not yet available for children and teens with FA who are younger than 16 years old. The main objective of this study ...

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