Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 presenting with cognitive regression in childhood

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 typically presents in adulthood with progressive ataxia, dysarthria, tremor, and slow saccadic eye movements. Childhood-onset spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 is rare, and only the infantile-onset form has been well characterized clinically. This article describes a girl who met all developmental milestones until age 3(1/2) years, when she experienced cognitive regression that preceded motor regression by 6 months. A diagnosis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 was delayed until she presented to the emergency department at age 7 years. This report documents the results of her neuropsychologic evaluation at both time points. This case broadens the spectrum of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 presentation in childhood, highlights the importance of considering a spinocerebellar ataxia in a child who presents with cognitive regression only, and extends currently available clinical information to help clinicians discuss the prognosis in childhood spinocerebellar ataxia type 2.