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Living with Spinocerebellar ataxia type 12

A very rare inherited condition with tremor and mild balance and coordination problems.

Understanding Spinocerebellar ataxia type 12

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 12 (SCA12) is a very rare type of dominantly inherited cerebellar ataxia.

It is marked by action tremor (shaking when moving) and relatively mild poor coordination. Stiffness or movement signs similar to parkinsonism and dementia have also been reported. It can begin at any time in life.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Action tremor
  • Poor coordination (ataxia)
  • Shrinking of the cerebellum
  • Brain shrinkage
  • Parkinsonism
  • Strong reflexes

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in PPP2R2B are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    National Ataxia Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Expert lists: National Ataxia Foundation
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with National Ataxia Foundation
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can genetic testing of the PPP2R2B gene confirm this diagnosis?
What can help with tremor?
Should thinking and memory be monitored over time?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startany time in life
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesPPP2R2B

GARD lists changes in the PPP2R2B gene. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning one changed copy of the gene is enough.

GeneticNeurological

Also known as: sca12

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Spinocerebellar ataxia type 12GARD ID 10476 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Spinocerebellar ataxia type 12.

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