Presenile Cerebellar Ataxia in Chronic Alcoholics

Abstract

A report is given of a slowly progressive cerebellar dysfunction occurring in 6 males in the presenium, with predominant ataxia of the lower extremities and negative family histories. All patients admitted to prolonged overindulgence in alcoholic beverages. Age at onset of symptoms varied from 39 to 55 years (average : 47.6 years), with duration of the illness ranging from 1 to 15 years. Although the present report lacks pathologic verification, it was concluded on the basis of markedly dilated lateral ventricles, as shown by air studies, psychologic evidence of organic brain impairment, and neurologic and pneumoencephalographic findings of cerebellar atrophy that clinically these cases represent diffuse cerebrocerebellar cortical degeneration.