About Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Key Highlights
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Palliative focus on improving quality of life and functional independence.May significantly reduce debilitating symptoms like severe tremor or rigidity.Can address and prevent secondary complications such as spinal cord compression.Procedures like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) are adjustable and reversible.Multidisciplinary approach involving neurologists, neurosurgeons, and rehabilitation specialists.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe, medication-resistant tremor or dystonia impacting daily activities.
- Cervical spine instability (atlantoaxial instability) causing spinal cord compression.
- Significant spasticity that does not respond to oral medications or botulinum toxin injections.
- Development of symptomatic syringomyelia (a fluid-filled cyst within the spinal cord).
- To prevent progressive neurological deficit from a structural complication.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological evaluation and confirmation of SCA subtype by a neurologist.
- Advanced imaging (MRI of brain and/or cervical spine) to assess anatomy and plan surgery.
- Pre-operative assessments including cardiac and pulmonary evaluation due to potential systemic involvement.
- Discussion of realistic goals, risks, and benefits of the palliative procedure with the neurosurgical team.
- Possible pre-surgical rehabilitation to optimize physical condition.
- Adjustment or continuation of current SCA medications as advised.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Neurological risks: stroke, worsening of ataxia, weakness, numbness, or speech/swallowing difficulties.
- Specific to DBS: hardware malfunction, lead migration, or stimulation-related side effects.
- Specific to spine surgery: non-fusion, hardware failure, or persistent neck pain.
- Risk of complications is generally higher in patients with progressive neurological conditions.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring neurological status and pain management.
- For DBS: programming of the neurostimulator begins a few weeks post-surgery.
- Early mobilization with assistance from physiotherapists to prevent deconditioning.
- Gradual return to activities as tolerated, with strict avoidance of heavy lifting or neck strain.
- Ongoutine follow-up with neurosurgery and neurology for symptom management and device checks (if applicable).
- Long-term, intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy is crucial for maximizing functional outcomes.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks for initial healing; full adaptation to DBS or spinal stabilization may take 3-6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering spinocerebellar ataxia in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for spinocerebellar ataxia in India include Medanta The Medicity, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Cytecare Hospital, Miot Hospital Chennai, Nanavati Max Hospital, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform spinocerebellar ataxia. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for spinocerebellar ataxia compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 3,807 – USD 13,052 | 3-7 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial healing; full adaptation to DBS or spinal stabilization may take 3-6 months | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 28,184 – USD 96,630 | 3-7 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial healing; full adaptation to DBS or spinal stabilization may take 3-6 months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Spinocerebellar Ataxia in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing spinocerebellar ataxia.
At my age, you worry about...
At my age, you worry about being a bother. Dr. Narayanamurthy never made me feel that way. He explained my medication changes slowly, and his manner was very calming. The clinic at MGM was busy, but he took his time.
Neurosurgeons for Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform spinocerebellar ataxia and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar
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Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
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Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- 23 Years Experience
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Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- 21 Years Experience
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Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- 21 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Ranchi
- 11 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Ranchi
- 31 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar
- 31 Years Experience
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Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar
- 17 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Gurgaon
- 13 Years Experience
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Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar
- 34 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad
- 29 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Jaipur
- 21 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Jaipur
- 11 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad
- 10 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad
- 39 Years Experience
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Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
- 27 Years Experience
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Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
- 25 Years Experience
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Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
- 24 Years Experience
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Metro Hospital Faridabad