Caregivers
Caregivers—whether family members or professionals—play a key role in supporting patients with ataxia and other rare diseases that can be neurodegenerative.
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Neurologists with experience in ataxia
Last updated on 06/03/2025
DISCLAIMER: The following information is based on patient recommendations. The ataxia.info portal has no commercial relationships with any healthcare professional and does not take responsibility for possible issues in medical care. It is always advisable to confirm whether the doctor provides care for ataxias. Some limit this care to the public hospital where they work, while others only offer private consultations. Consultation fees vary widely. Some doctors accept health insurance, while others do not.
Dr. Osvaldo Nascimento
Neurologist
Full Professor of Neurology at UFF (Fluminense Federal University)
Coordinator of Clinical Research and Innovation IDOMED Estácio.
Peripheral Neuropathies Neuroimmunology
Member of the National Academy of Medicine (ANM)
Office: Address: Our Lady of Copacabana Avenue 690 room 1001 - Copacabana - Rio de Janeiro RJ
Zip code: 22.050-001.
Phones: (21) 2235-4855 and (21)98606-3912
https://www.instagram.com/osvaldojmnascimento/
Dr. Mariana Spitz
Neurologist
Ataulfo de Paiva 1251, Leblon
Rio de Janeiro. - RJ
Telephone: (21)2239-8489
Dr. Ricardo Julibone
Neurologist
Álvaro Alvim Teaching Hospital
Address: R. Conselheiro Otaviano, 84 - Center, Campos dos Goytacazes - RJ, Zip Code 28010-140
Telephone: (22) 2723-0361
Dr. Luiz Felipe Rocha Vasconcellos
Neurologist
Conde de Bonfim Street, 211 - Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro - RJ
Postal Code 20520-050
Telephone: (21)3473-8435
Physiotherapists with experience in ataxia
Last updated on 03/31/2023
Dr. Laura Oliveira
Neurofunctional Physiotherapist
Private practice - REACTIVATE
Viscount of Piraja 550 room 1005 Ipanema - Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Telephone +55 (21) 99348-4107
Brazil
Public care (SUS) in hospital by the Deolindo Couto Neurology Institute UFRJ
Av Wenceslau Bras 95, Botafogo - Rio de Janeiro
ZIP Code 22290-140
Telephone (21)3938-5644
The Deolindo Couto Neurology Institute is a teaching, research, and outreach unit within the medical-hospital complex of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Located on the Praia Vermelha campus, it specializes in neurology and neurosurgery.
Instructions: Referrals for physical therapy should be made through the Family Clinic. It may take a few months to schedule an appointment, but after that, you'll receive excellent care from physical therapists experienced in neurological conditions, including ataxias. Call for information.
HOSPITALS AND REHABILITATION CENTERS
Institution: HOSPITAL SARAH RIO Unit
Address: Ambassador Abelardo Bueno Avenue, 1500 - Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22775-040
Zip Code: 22775-023
Call Center : (21) 3543 7000
Website: http://www.sarah.br
Instructions: The more detailed you explain your health problem, the easier the evaluation will be. The Hospital will contact you when your appointment is scheduled. FIRST APPOINTMENT When you arrive at a SARAH Network unit, go to Reception. The receptionist will open your medical record, a folder containing information about your health problem. This folder is where the team will record all data during your treatment. Upon admission to the SARAH Network, an ID and CPF (Brazilian Social Security Number) are required for adults, and a birth certificate for children. You will then receive a SARAH Hospital card. This will be your ID for all appointments and will also indicate the dates of future appointments. If you are unable to attend, please let us know and request a rescheduling. If possible, bring all previously performed tests with you on the day of your first appointment.
Institution: Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital
Responsible Physician: Dr. Fernando Regla Vargas and team
Address: Mariz e Barros Street, 775 – Tijuca - Rio de Janeiro - RJ
Telephone: (21) 2264-5844
Instructions: It is necessary to follow the standard procedure to be treated at our hospital: The patient must look for a Basic Health Unit (Family Clinic in your Municipality or Health Post) near your home. The Medical Genetics Service at Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital is a reference for genetic evaluation and genetic counseling for Spinocerebellar Ataxias. The unit has begun implementing genetic testing for SCA3 and Huntington's disease in collaboration with Fiocruz. It also has a research and monitoring project for families with SCA7 and will soon offer genetic testing to new SCA7 patients. Appointments for genetic and psychological evaluation, genetic counseling, and genetic testing can be made by email at genetica.hugg@gmail.com.
Institution: ABBR (Brazilian Charitable Rehabilitation Association)
Civil association, under private law, non-profit.
ABBR offers rehabilitation services . It serves the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) through the regulatory system (SISREG) and also serves private patients and those with health plans. Services include respiratory and motor physiotherapy, occupational therapy, RPG, therapeutic Pilates, speech therapy, and more. It also offers some unique therapeutic resources, such as gait training (Gait Trainer) and weight-supported gait training (Unweighting System ).
Botanical Garden Street, 660
Botanical Garden, Zip Code 22461-000
Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Tel.: #55 (21) 3528.6363
Tel.: #55 (21) 97131.6894 - Appointments and Treatments
https://www.abbr.org.br/abbr/index.html
Institution: CER (Integrated Rehabilitation Center)
There is a national network of Integrated Rehabilitation Centers (CER) served by the SUS, with units in several municipalities in each state.
Information about CER units in the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro .