A step forward for stress-induced ataxia

Patients with episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) display attacks of severe incoordination and dystonia that can be triggered by stress. In a recent study, Snell, Vitenzon, Tara, and colleagues found a mechanistic pathway by which norepinephrine (NE) alters cerebellar Purkinje output to trigger attacks in a mouse model of EA2 and identified a pharmacological intervention that effectively reduces them.

Automated summary

A recent study has identified a mechanistic pathway by which norepinephrine alters cerebellar Purkinje output to trigger attacks in a mouse model of EA2, and a pharmacological intervention that effectively reduces them.