Alcoholic Cerebellar Degeneration

Alcoholic cerebellar degeneration is a neurodegenerative disorder resulting from chronic ethanol exposure, leading to selective atrophy of the anterior superior cerebellar vermis. Pathophysiology involves direct ethanol neurotoxicity and thiamine deficiency, resulting in Purkinje cell loss. Clinically, patients present with gait ataxia, truncal instability, and lower-limb dysmetria, often with preserved cognitive function. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination supported by MRI showing vermian atrophy. Management includes cessation of alcohol, thiamine supplementation, and physical rehabilitation; progression may stabilize but preexisting deficits often persist.