Dyssynergia Cerebellaris Myoclonica refers to a collection of rare, degenerative, neurological disorders characterized by epilepsy, cognitive impairment, myoclonus, and progressive ataxia.  Symptoms include seizures, tremor, and reduced muscle coordination.  Onset of the disorder generally occurs in early adulthood.  Tremor may begin in one extremity and later spread to involve the entire voluntary muscular system.  Arms are usually more affected than legs.  Some of the cases are due to mitochondrial abnormalities. Treatment of Dyssynergia Cerebellaris Myoclonica is symptomatic.  Myoclonus and seizures may be treated with drugs like valproate. The progression of the disorder is usually 10 years or longer. The NINDS supports a broad range of research on neurodegenerative disorders such as Dyssynergia Cerebellaris Myoclonica.  The goals of this research are to find ways to prevent, treat, and cure these kinds of disorders. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=search&term=Dyssynergia+Cerebellaris+Myoclonica+AND+human[mh]+AND+english[la]&db=PubMed&orig_db=PubMed&filters=on&pmfilter_EDatLimit=10+Years 1 http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term= /disorders/dyssynergia/pubs_dyssynergia.htm /disorders/dyssynergia/xml_dyssynergia.xml xml_dyssynergia.xml Dyssynergia Cerebellaris ProgressivaDentate Cerebellar AtaxiaDentatorubral AtrophyPrimary Dentatum AtrophyRamsay Hunt Syndrome I V636 National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

National Institutes of Health, DHHS

31 Center Drive, MSC 2320 Bethesda MD 20892-2320 nidcdinfo@nidcd.nih.gov http://www.nidcd.nih.gov 301-496-7243/800-241-1044 800-241-1055 (TTD/TTY) V19 National Ataxia Foundation (NAF)

2600 Fernbrook Lane North

Suite 119 Minneapolis MN 55447-4752 naf@ataxia.org http://www.ataxia.org 763-553-0020 763-553-0167 Encourages and supports research into the hereditary ataxias, a group of chronic and progressive neurological disorders affecting coordination. Sponsors chapters and support groups throughout the U.S.A. and Canada. Publishes a quarterly newsletter and educational literature on the various forms of ataxia. V91 National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

55 Kenosia Avenue

Danbury CT 06810 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) 203-798-2291 Federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare "orphan" diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. Committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service.