Ataxia Center in Holguín provides follow-up of patients
- Written by Eileen Molina / ACN
- Published in Health
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The Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH) in the province of Holguín, the only one of its kind in Cuba, prioritizes the follow-up programs for its patients, amid the epidemiological contingency generated by COVID -19, widespread on the Caribbean island.
Marisleidis Verdecia, specialist of the institution, said to the Cuban News Agency that although the scheduled external consultation has been suspended, the follow-up for patients is performed by telephone, in addition to the records of certificates for assistance social, required by most of these people.
She added that in the case of rehabilitation therapies, exercise systems adapted to the existing implements in the home have been oriented, taking into account the clinical evolution and stages of Spinocerebellar Ataxia type II (SCA2), while guaranteeing the specialist visit if necessary, complying with the biosafety standards established by the health authorities.
On the other hand, specialists at the Center continue the research projects dedicated to improving the quality of life of patients with this degenerative and incurable disease, which causes difficulties in balance, speech and coordination of movements.
Among the studies, it stands out the relationship of ataxia with COVID-19, which aims to delve into the genetic factors of the condition, whose prevalence rate exceeds 40 patients per 100,000 inhabitants in the eastern territory, the highest in the Caribbean island, she noted.
The health institution also continues with professional development programs, care for residents of neurology, neophysiology, among other specialties, as well as students of medical sciences interested in the study of neurodegenerative diseases.
CIRAH, the only institution of science and technological innovation within the health system in Holguín, was founded in 2000 in order to provide multidisciplinary medical care to people carrying the SCA2 gene, present in more than 200 families in the province, according to the website of the institution.
