Cerebellar Hypoplasia

Definition

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

Symptoms

Symptoms of Cerebellar Hypoplasia
Symptoms of cerebellar hypoplaxia differs with infants and children, and with older children. In infants, the symptoms are commonly unhealthy muscle tone, problems with speech and development, seizures, balance and walking problems, mental retardation, and involuntary movement of the eyes. Older children exhibit symptoms such as hearing impairment, clumsiness, dizzy spells, and headaches.

Causes

Causes of Cerebellar Hypoplasia
Genetics, thyroid problems, or environmental factors can cause cerebellar hypoplasia. Among environmental factors are drugs, viral infections, chemicals, or even strokes.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Cerebellar Hypoplasia
Consult with your doctor.

Treatment

Treatment of Cerebellar Hypoplasia
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

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

Prevention

Prevention of Cerebellar Hypoplasia
Consult with your doctor.