Paraneoplastic Cerebellum Degeneration

What is it? PCD is triggered by the patients immune system in association with a malignant disease.PCD is triggered by the patients immune system in association with a malignant disease. The body attacks a neurological system believing it’s attacking the disease.The body attacks a neurological system believing it’s attacking the disease. PCD is rare but usually if not always show up in patients long before their cancer diagnosis.PCD is rare but usually if not always show up in patients long before their cancer diagnosis.

Diagnosis PCD’s are usually misdiagnosed because patients symptoms mimic neurological problems.PCD’s are usually misdiagnosed because patients symptoms mimic neurological problems. Studies to be ordered…Studies to be ordered… –CBC (complete blood count) –Urine analysis –CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) –CT, MRI and/or PET Scan

Treatment ChemotherapyChemotherapy Radiation therapyRadiation therapy Neurological MedicationsNeurological Medications –Corto-steroids –Prednisone –Cyclosporine Early detection is most important….

Research Discovering the geneDiscovering the gene Pre-symptomatic diagnosisPre-symptomatic diagnosis Greater understanding of how the immune system worksGreater understanding of how the immune system works

Family Support How to deal with neurological deficitsHow to deal with neurological deficits Insurane informationInsurane information Physical therapyPhysical therapy Medical equipmentMedical equipment Home health careHome health care Support for the care giversSupport for the care givers