Corticobasal Degeneration
Overview
From its name, we can create a simple heurisitic:
- There is basal degeneration, which leads to parkinsonism, in fact the prominent asymmetry is much like PD.
- There is cortical degeneration, which leads to more strange/unexpected findings.
Clinical Hallmarks
- Alien Limb Syndrome
- Alien limb syndrome (along with cortical sensory loss) occurs, which involves unilateral involuntary movements.
- Ideomotor apraxia
- Ideomotor apraxia occurs, which manifests with an inability to properly pantomime certain tool-based tasks, such as using a hammer.
- Dementia
- Frontal lobe reflexes
Pathological Hallmarks
- The key histopathologic feature of CBD is ballooned, achromatic neurons with tau protein.