Cerebellum Dysfunction Symptoms & Causes Explained

What Happens When the Cerebellum Malfunctions?

Cerebellum dysfunction refers to a condition where the cerebellum is not functioning properly. It is that portion of your brain which controls the coordination and balance of your entire body. This dysfunction can manifest in various motor and cognitive defects in your body.

What are the symptoms of cerebellum dysfunction?

Cerebellum problems or dysfunction can cause a variety of symptoms, which we will discuss in detail here. The following list will highlight some common symptoms of cerebellum dysfunction:

• Ataxia: It is a hallmark symptom of cerebellar dysfunction, exhibiting signs like a lack of coordination in movements. Ataxia can affect limbs, gait, and posture, leading to unsteady walking and difficulties with fine motor tasks, such as eating or writing, along with problems with precise movements.
• Hypotonia: Hypotonia, or reduced muscle tone, is a common symptom in cerebellar dysfunction. It results from the cerebellum’s role in regulating muscle tone, coordination, and balance. Any kind of damage to the cerebellum disrupts these functions, causing decreased muscle tone.
• Tremors: Intention tremors are common in individuals suffering from cerebellar dysfunction. This exhibits symptoms, such as rhythmic, oscillatory, and high-amplitude shaking that worsens as a limb approaches a target during purposeful movements. Damage to the cerebellum degrades the normal functioning of the motor mechanisms. 
• Abnormal Gait: People with cerebellar dysfunction often have a wide-based, unsteady gait and lurching and staggering movements. They could not walk properly due to improper coordination between the hands and limbs with the brain. Patients may take steps that are uneven in length or rhythm and may veer from a straight path.
• Abnormal Eye Movements: Cerebellar dysfunction can manifest as various abnormal eye movements, such as impaired smooth pursuit, nystagmus, and difficulty maintaining gaze. These problems eventually lead to conditions like gaze-evoked or rebound nystagmus. Abnormal eye movements are often a key diagnostic marker for cerebellar involvement.
• Dysarthria: Dysarthria, or ataxic dysarthria, is a specific type of speech disorder that occurs due to severe damage to the cerebellum. The cerebellum plays a key role in the coordination of muscle movements. Thus, uncoordinated muscle movements in the throat and mouth region can cause difficulties in speech.

What Causes Cerebellar Dysfunction?

Cerebellar dysfunction can stem from various factors, which we will highlight in this portion. Here are some of the factors that can cause cerebellum problems:

• Vascular Issues: Strokes or haemorrhages in the cerebellum or its connecting peduncles can cause dysfunction.
• Infections: Viral infections like chickenpox or Coxsackie disease, as well as other infections like HIV, enteroviruses, and neurosyphilis, can cause acute or chronic cerebellar dysfunction. A common modern cause of acute cerebellar ataxia, especially in children, is post-infectious cerebellitis, often following a viral illness. This is an autoimmune response to the infection, not the direct infection itself.
• Toxins and Drugs: Alcohol and other medications, like anticonvulsants or antiseizure medications, heavy metals, or solvents can cause cerebellar damage.
• Metabolic Disorders: Certain metabolic conditions, such as thyroid disorders and vitamin deficiencies, can impact cerebellar function.
• Autoimmune: Conditions, like Guillain-Barré syndrome and multiple sclerosis, can affect the cerebellum, leading to dysfunction.
• Neoplastic Disorders: Thepresence of any tumours in or near the cerebellum, including astrocytomas, medulloblastomas, metastases, and acoustic neuromas, can cause cerebellar dysfunction.
• Iatrogenic Conditions: Medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy can have harmful effects on the cerebellum, leading to damage and dysfunction.
• Trauma: Severe head trauma due to injuries or accidents can damage the cerebellum, leading to disruption of connections with the nerves and muscles.
• Congenital Malformations: Birth defects such as Chiari malformations can affect cerebellar development and function, causing problems in the cerebellum.
   

Other autoimmune responses can cause neurodegenerative disorders that interfere with the proper functioning of the cerebellum and other brainstem areas. Sometimes it can occur due to idiopathic conditions.

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