This information is provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) is an inherited neurodegenerative condition characterized by slowly progressive ataxia (problems with movement, balance, and coordination). This condition typically occurs in adulthood and usually progresses over decades. Common initial symptoms include dysarthria, slow speech, and trouble walking. Some affected individuals experience nystagmus and other abnormal eye movements. Life span is typically not shortened. This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, although not all individuals with abnormalities in the disease-causing gene will develop the disease (called reduced penetrance).
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