Corticobasal syndrome

Corticobasal syndrome (CBS), also called corticobasal degeneration, is a progressive brain disease. It happens when nerve cells in the brain begin to shrink (atrophy) and die (neurodegeneration). Over time, these changes can affect the ability to control movement, think, speak, and swallow.

Penn Medicine’s movement disorders care specialists diagnose and care for people with complex and rare disorders like corticobasal syndrome. At our Movement Disorders Center, our team sees more people with CBS than many other programs, giving us deep experience with this uncommon condition. Our researchers work on the leading edge of discovery about the causes of these disorders. We create custom treatment plans based on the latest research to help you manage your symptoms and maintain your independence.

Scientists don't fully understand why people develop corticobasal neurodegeneration. The condition results in damage to the front and side regions (frontotemporal lobes) of the brain.

Researchers have discovered that a protein called tau clumps together in brain tissue in people with corticobasal syndrome. The abnormal buildup of tau damages brain cells, leading to the symptoms of corticobasal syndrome. Alzheimer's disease is another example of a disorder caused by abnormal tau protein buildup (tauopathy).

Corticobasal syndrome is not considered an inherited condition, but there are some rare cases where it runs in families. Scientists are working to uncover the genes that may be responsible.