Neurochemistry and Neuropharmacology of the Cerebellar Ataxias

The predominant (though not exclusive) reference to degenerative ataxias is due to the fact that the specificity of the affected cell populations should allow anticipation of more or less specific neurochemical alterations. This information could be used to look for therapeutic strategies, given the absence of curative treatments for the majority of ataxic disorders. This review covers only the pharmacologic attempts performed to treat ataxic symptoms, and is not exhaustive in terms of nosology, genetics or congenital errors of metabolism. The neurochemical basis of some non-degenerative ataxias that demonstrate favourable responses to pharmacological treatment are also reviewed. An outline of the physiological neurotransmission in the cerebellum opens this chapter (Table 1).