Cerebellar hypoplasia is a developmental disorder characterized by the incomplete or underdevelopment of the cerebellum

Cerebellum

The cerebellum is a region of the brain that plays an important role in motor control. It may also be involved in some cognitive functions such as attention and language, and in regulating fear and pleasure responses, but its movement-related functions are the most solidly established...

. It may be genetic or occur sporadically. Cerebellar hypoplasia may be caused by thyroid abnormalities, environmental influences such as drugs

Medication

A pharmaceutical drug, also referred to as medicine, medication or medicament, can be loosely defined as any chemical substance intended for use in the medical diagnosis, cure, treatment, or prevention of disease.- Classification :...

 and chemicals or viral infections or stroke

Stroke

A stroke, previously known medically as a cerebrovascular accident , is the rapidly developing loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia caused by blockage , or a hemorrhage...

. In infancy, symptoms may include developmental delay, hypotonia, ataxia

Ataxia

Ataxia is a neurological sign and symptom that consists of gross lack of coordination of muscle movements. Ataxia is a non-specific clinical manifestation implying dysfunction of the parts of the nervous system that coordinate movement, such as the cerebellum...

, seizures, Intellectual disability

Intellectual disability

Intellectual disability is a broad concept encompassing various intellectual deficits, including mental retardation , deficits too mild to properly qualify as MR, various specific conditions , and problems acquired later in life through acquired brain injuries or neurodegenerative diseases like...

 and involuntary eye movements (nystagmus). At later ages, symptoms include headache, vertigo, imbalance, and hearing impairment. Cerebellar hypoplasia may be associated with other disorders including Dandy-Walker syndrome

Dandy-Walker syndrome

Dandy–Walker syndrome , or Dandy–Walker complex, is a congenital brain malformation involving the cerebellum and the fluid filled spaces around it. A key feature of this syndrome is the partial or even complete absence of the part of the brain located between the two cerebellar hemispheres...

, Werdnig-Hoffmann syndrome and Walker-Warburg syndrome

Walker-Warburg syndrome

Walker–Warburg syndrome , also called Warburg syndrome, Chemke syndrome, HARD syndrome , Pagon syndrome, cerebroocular dysgenesis or cerebroocular dysplasia-muscular dystrophy syndrome , is a rare form of autosomal recessive congenital muscular dystrophy...

.

Treatment

There is no standard course of treatment for cerebellar hypoplasia. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Balance rehabilitation techniques may benefit those experiencing difficulty with balance.

Prognosis

Cerebellar hypoplasia may be progressive or static in nature. Some cerebellar hypoplasia resulting from congenital brain abnormalities/malformations are not progressive.

External links

• Australian Capital Territory Cerebellar Hypoplasia Support Network Incorporated