Symptom onset of spinocerebellar ataxia type 10 in pregnancy and puerperium

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 10 is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder. It was initially described in Mexican families presenting with ataxia and epilepsy, with or without polyneuropathy, pyramidal signs and cognitive symptoms. The authors report three patients from the same family who were asymptomatic until gestation and puerperium, when they developed symptoms and signs suggestive of the syndrome. Genetic diagnosis was made in the three patients. The authors hypothesize that hormonal changes are likely to influence the manifestation of the condition.