Objective: To compare the balance in patients with SCA10 with SCA3.

Background: Decreased balance and motor coordination are the main symptoms of Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCA). The progression of symptoms is slow and progressive, usually beginning in the lower limbs. Individuals with SCA are at increased risk of injury and falls.

Methods: Patients were selected at the Movement Disorders follow up clinic of the UFPR Neurology Service from January 2013 to May 2016. Balance was evaluated by the Berg EEB.

Results: 35 patients with SCA10 and 60 patients with SCA3 were evaluated. The mean age in SCA10 and SCA3 was 45 ± 9.5; 43.8 ± 12.3 (p<0,4848). The mean age at onset of symptoms was 33.88 ± 8.3 years and 34.8 ± 10.7 years (p <0.665) and the mean time of symptoms were 11.57 ± 7.5 years and 9.00 ± 4.9 years (p <0.16). It was observed that SCA10 showed better balance (p <0.0054) when compared to SCA3. Considering this difference in the sub items, individuals with SCA10 presented better scores for: standing without support (3,7 ±0,8 vs 3,2 ±1,2 p <0.0248), transfers (3,6 ± 0,6 vs 3,0 ±1,2 p <0.0279), standing with eyes closed (3,5 ±1,1 vs 2,5 ±1,6 p <0.0008), rotate/look back (3,5 ±1,0 vs 2,8 ±1,5 p <0.0201), rotate 360 degree (3,0 ±1,3 vs 2,2 ±1,6 p <0.0295), tandem (2,3 ±1,3 vs 1,4 ±1,4 p <0.0023) and stand on one leg (1,7 ±1,4 vs 1,0 ±1,4 p <0.0069). Both SCA had a moderate risk of falls: 97% for SCA10 (n = 34) and 82% for SCA3 (n = 49), with a significant risk for SCA3 (p <0.0290). When related to the time of symptoms, they were not significant (p<0,10055).

Conclusions: Patients with SCA10 present better balance when compared to SCA3, as well as lower risk for falls.

References: AIZAWA, C. Y. P., PEDROSO, J. L., BRAGA-NETO, P.; et al. Patients with autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia have more risk of falls, important balance impairment, and decreased ability to function. Arquivos de neuro-psiquiatria, v.71 n. 8, p. 508-511, 2013.

MIYAI, I.; ITO, M.; HATTORI, N.; et al. Cerebellar Ataxia Rehabilitation Trial in Degenerative Cerebellar Diseases. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, v. 26, n. 5, p. 515–522, 2012.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/balance-in-spinocerebellar-ataxia-sca-comparison-between-type-10-and-type-3/