Cerebellar stroke

What Is a Cerebellar Stroke? A cerebellar stroke occurs when the blood supply to the cerebellum is interrupted. The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for balance, coordination, posture, and fine motor control. This interruption can happen due to: A blocked blood vessel (ischaemic stroke), or Bleeding within the brain (haemorrhagic stroke) The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain, beneath the cerebrum and above the brainstem. Although it is relatively small, damage to this area can cause severe disability and may be life-threatening if not treated urgently. Types of Cerebellar Stroke Ischaemic Cerebellar Stroke This occurs when an artery supplying the cerebellum becomes blocked. Thrombotic stroke – a clot forms directly in a cerebellar artery Embolic stroke – a clot forms elsewhere (often the heart) and travels to the cerebellum This is the most common type of cerebellar stroke. Haemorrhagic Cerebellar Stroke This occurs when a blood vessel in the cerebellum ruptures, causing bleeding. Common causes include: Long-standing high blood pressure Brain aneurysms Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) Symptoms of a Cerebellar Stroke Symptoms may appear suddenly and often differ from typical “face-arm-speech” stroke symptoms. Common symptoms include: Sudden dizziness or severe vertigo Loss of balance and coordination Nausea and vomiting Severe headache, especially at the back of the head Unsteady walking or inability to stand Slurred speech Double vision or abnormal eye movements (nystagmus) Weakness or numbness, often on one side of the body ⚠️ Cerebellar strokes are sometimes misdiagnosed as inner-ear problems. Persistent or worsening symptoms require immediate medical attention. When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention (FAST) Call emergency services immediately if you notice: Face drooping Arm weakness Speech difficulty Time to call emergency services Even if symptoms improve, a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) can be a warning sign of an imminent stroke. Causes of a Cerebellar Stroke Several conditions increase the risk: Atherosclerosis – plaque build-up narrowing arteries Blood clots – often from heart conditions like atrial fibrillation High blood pressure Brain aneurysms or AVMs Heart disease Smoking Vessel dissection – tearing of arteries supplying the cerebellum, sometimes caused by trauma or aggressive neck manipulation Complications of a Cerebellar Stroke Cerebellar strokes carry a high risk of complications, including: Brain swelling, which can cause brain herniation and death Hydrocephalus (build-up of cerebrospinal fluid), often requiring surgery Persistent vertigo and imbalance Speech and swallowing difficulties, increasing the risk of aspiration pneumonia Cognitive impairment, especially if other brain regions are affected Because of swelling risk, cerebellar strokes often require intensive monitoring or neurosurgical care. How Can a Cerebellar Stroke Be Prevented? Prevention focuses on reducing vascular risk factors: Control high blood pressure Eat a heart-healthy diet Engage in regular physical activity Stop smoking Limit alcohol consumption Manage diabetes and heart conditions Attend routine health screenings Avoid excessive or forceful neck manipulation