PARENCHYMATOUS CORTICAL CEREBELLAR ATROPHY

Abstract

The limiting criteria of the syndrome described in this paper are as follows: (1) it is non-familial; (2) the onset is in adult life usually middle age; (3) the outstanding clinical feature is a cerebellar ataxia of the gait; (4) it is usually associated with a demonstrable toxic factor most often alcohol. Doubt is expressed whether a primary and secondary form of delayed cerebellar degeneration can be distinguished on clinical grounds in non-familial cases. The suggestion is made that instances of degenerative cerebellar disease coming on in adult life be classified under the heading of delayed cerebellar degeneration, familial or non-familial, and that the responsible etiological agent be listed wherever possible.