Corticobasal Degeneration

What is Corticobasal Degeneration?

Corticobasal degeneration is a progressive neurological disorder in which several regions of the brain, including the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia, deteriorate and shrink. Corticobasal degeneration can cause difficulties with movement and thinking.

Corticobasal Degeneration Symptoms

Symptoms of corticobasal degeneration may begin on one side of the body and gradually spread to the other side. They may include:

Abnormal muscle postures (dystonia)
Absence or slowness of movement (akinesia)
Lack of spontaneous movements (bradykinesia)
Loss of ability to make familiar movements (apraxia)
Muscular jerks (myoclonus)
Rigidity
Poor coordination
Impaired balance (disequilibrium)
Shakiness or tremor
Visual-spatial impairment
Inability to walk
Behavioral and memory problems
Hesitant and halting speech
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

Corticobasal Degeneration Treatments

There is no known treatment to slow the progression of corticobasal degeneration, but some medications, such as those used to treat Parkinson’s disease, may help relieve symptoms.

Physical, speech, and occupational therapies may help you manage disabilities caused by corticobasal degeneration.

Find A Specialist

Movement Disorders Specialists

Additional Information

How common is corticobasal degeneration?

Corticobasal degeneration is rare. It is believed to affect about five per 100,000 people in the general population.

Who gets corticobasal degeneration?

Corticobasal degeneration affects men and women equally. Symptoms usually begin after age 60.

How is corticobasal degeneration diagnosed?

Corticobasal degeneration may be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms mimic those of other neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Your doctor may use the following tests to diagnose cortiobasal degeneration: