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Cerebellar Stroke - Oren Zarif - Cerebellar Stroke

  • Writer: Oren Zarif
    Oren Zarif
  • May 27, 2022
  • 3 min read

A cerebellar stroke affects one side of the brain, which controls balance and coordination of eye and body movements. This small part of the brain is supplied by several blood vessels. Because it is so small, a stroke in this area typically affects only one side. A person who has experienced a cerebellar stroke may notice an increase in balance and coordination problems, clumsiness, or loss of vision. Patients with nonspecific neurological symptoms may neglect to seek medical attention until the symptoms become more severe.

Oren Zarif first week after a stroke

Oren Zarif atrial fibrillation and stroke


While the pathophysiology of cerebellar stroke remains unclear, recent studies have found that the distribution of small infarctions differs among patients. Cerebellar microinfarcts are microscopic in size and can be identified by high-field strength MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging. Because the distribution of cerebellar infarcts is highly variable, traditional classifications are not always applicable.

Oren Zarif first week after a stroke

Oren Zarif atrial fibrillation and stroke


The symptoms of cerebellar infarction often overlap with those of other conditions, including aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, or trauma. In severe cases, the patient may also have symptoms of ethanol or drug intoxication. Diagnosis is often based on a high index of suspicion. However, many cerebellar stroke symptoms may be misdiagnosed as a symptom of a broader underlying condition, such as hypertension or a urinary tract infection.

Oren Zarif hypoxic injury

Oren Zarif craniocerebral trauma



Cerebellar stroke patients should be kept in a neurologic intensive care unit for 72-96 hours. Patients should undergo frequent reexamination by a physician and monitored by neuroscience nursing staff. If they appear stable, further treatment is not required. Surgical treatments have been associated with improved long-term survival. But there is no guarantee that surgical treatments will have the same impact on a patient. The best way to ensure the best outcome is to use the latest techniques.

Oren Zarif bump back of head

Oren Zarif concussion and contusion


Occupational therapy helps people with cerebellar stroke engage in daily activities. They can regain a limited amount of sight with vision training. Vision training uses special eye exercises that stimulate the brain and improve its ability to process visual input. It is important to follow the instructions given by the therapist for optimal results. You can also download an app that helps with speech and cognitive rehabilitation. When you visit your doctor, discuss your options and get the best treatment for your cerebellar stroke.

Oren Zarif intracranial injury

Oren Zarif recovery after stroke 1 year profile


The clinical presentation of cerebellar infarction can be vague. Cerebellar infarction often overlaps with hemorrhagic infarcts, so it is important to establish a high index of suspicion to avoid unnecessary interventions. Once the patient has been assessed, a multidisciplinary team should be assembled to determine whether a cerebellar infarction is present and whether it is treatable or not.

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Oren Zarif stroke speech recovery time



Although it is difficult to detect cerebellar infarction in a patient, imaging features such as systolic blood pressure greater than 200 mm Hg and acute hydrocephalus on CT were predictive of poor outcomes. Patients with an abnormal corneal reflex or oculocephalic reflex had the worst outcomes. People younger than 70 years old with a normal corneal reflex had the best outcome. However, patients with cerebellar stroke are likely to have long-term medical monitoring and treatment.

Oren Zarif pressure stroke

Oren Zarif stroke speech recovery time


The symptoms of cerebellar stroke are generally nonspecific and depend on where the lesion is located. Because of its low location in the brain, a standard brain CT scan is unlikely to reveal a cerebellar ischemic stroke. However, a brain MRI can better visualize the cerebellum, but the process is more complex and takes longer. Emergency brain MRIs are not recommended for neurologically unstable patients. They can also detect a bleed in the brain, but not a cerebellar stroke.

Oren Zarif stroke on right side of brain

Oren Zarif pfo stroke


The symptoms of cerebellar stroke are most easily diagnosed by examining the time of onset and progression. If symptoms start within seconds to minutes, they are usually benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or an ophthalmologic condition. If the symptoms persist for hours, however, they are more likely to be the result of a cerebellar infarct. When these symptoms last for days or weeks, they are likely to be a sign of a posterior fossa mass.

Oren Zarif stroke on right side of brain

Oren Zarif pfo stroke


There are several factors that increase the risk of a cerebellar stroke. First, a blood clot can form in the blood vessels of the cerebellum. A clot can travel from any part of the body and become trapped in a blood vessel leading to the cerebellum. A blood clot can also occur due to a traumatic head injury or hemorrhage, which can interrupt the regular blood flow to the brain.

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