Corticobasal degeneration (CBD), as the name suggests, is a degenerative disorder that causes shrinkage of areas of your brain (including the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia).
The degenerated nerve cells die over time. Progressive degeneration of nerve cells manifest as
It’s not clear what causes this disorder. So, no cure has been discovered yet.
Some Parkinson’s like symptoms of corticobasal degeneration include:
Other symptoms may also be present, such as:
The exact cause of corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is not known.
In some cases, your genes can be blamed for this condition (familial predisposition).
Currently, there are no specific tests or universally accepted criteria for the diagnosis of corticobasal degeneration (CBD). However, your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and eliminate other possible causes such as
Your doctor may order following tests:
These tests are carried out to determine your thinking ability (cognitive skills), emotional status and behavior. Your doctor can ask questions to you or your family members.
These assessments help to determine your communication abilities which can be severely damaged if you have neurodegenerative conditions like CBD.
An MRI uses powerful radio waves and magnets to generate a cross-sectional image of your brain that can be evaluated by your doctor to detect abnormalities in your brain.
It uses numerous X-ray images to create a detailed image of your brain that can be evaluated by your doctor to detect abnormalities in your brain.
Unlike MRI or CT scans, these imaging techniques provide information on physiological and metabolic processes inside your brain.
In this approach, you are given Parkinson’s drug levodopa and your response to the drug is assessed.
Unfortunately, corticobasal degeneration cannot be slowed down with currently available treatment options and the symptoms generally do not respond to therapy.
Your doctor may recommend Parkinson’s drugs such as anticholinergics, levodopa, and dopamine agonists which are almost ineffective.
Another anti-anxiety drug clonazepam may help the myoclonus. Occupational, physical, and speech therapy can help in managing disability.
Risk factors for developing corticobasal degeneration include:
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