Cerebellar hypoplasia

This article is about human cerebellar hypoplasia. For cerebellar hypoplasia in other animals, see cerebellar hypoplasia (non-human).

Cerebellar hypoplasia is a developmental disorder characterized by the incomplete or underdevelopment of the cerebellum. It may be genetic or occur sporadically. Cerebellar hypoplasia may be caused by thyroid abnormalities, environmental influences such as drugs and chemicals or viral infections or stroke. In infancy, symptoms may include developmental delay, hypotonia, ataxia, seizures, Intellectual disability 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, Werdnig-Hoffmann syndrome and Walker-Warburg syndrome.

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.^[1]

Prognosis

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

References

1. ^ Sensory Learning (2009) Cerebellar Hypoplasia Sensory Learning.com

External links

• Australian Capital Territory Cerebellar Hypoplasia Support Network Incorporated
• cerebellar_hypoplasia/cerebellar_hypoplasia.htm at NINDS
• Cerebellar hypoplasia at NIH's Office of Rare Diseases