Histological diagnosis involves examining cerebellar tissue samples under a microscope. Specific staining techniques, such as Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemistry, are used to identify the loss of Purkinje cells and other neuronal populations. Additionally, markers such as calbindin D-28K can be employed to highlight Purkinje cells and assess their integrity. Analyzing the pattern of neuronal loss and gliosis helps in differentiating between various types of SCAs.
