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cerebellar infarction
Clinical manifestations:
1) sudden onset of symptoms
2) ataxia with impairment of balance
3) vertigo (may be severe)
4) nausea/vomiting
5) nystagmus, gaze-evoked & asymmetric
6) absence of new onset pain
Radiology:
1) computed tomography (CT) does not visualize cerebellum well
2) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gives better image of cerebellum than CT
Differential diagnosis:
- lateral medullary infarction generally involves face & pain & temperature pathways
- vestibular neuronitis suggested by positive head thrust test
Complications:
- progressive brainstem dysfunction may occur after 24-96 hours due to compression by swollen cerebellum
Management:
- neurosurgery may be needed to decompress brainstem
Related
cerebellum
Specific
superior cerebellar artery syndrome
General
stroke; cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
References
- UCLA Intensive Course in Geriatric Medicine & Board Review,
Marina Del Ray, CA, Sept 12-15, 2001
- Geriatric Review Syllabus, 7th edition
Parada JT et al (eds)
American Geriatrics Society, 2010