From the Research
Symptoms of Lateral Cerebellar Hemorrhage
The symptoms of a lateral cerebellar hemorrhage can vary, but some common symptoms include:
- Ataxia, which is a loss of muscle coordination during complex movement 1
- Vertigo, which is a sensation of spinning or losing balance 2
- Lateropulsion, which is a sensation of being pulled to one side 2
- Nystagmus, which is an involuntary movement of the eyes 2
- Dysarthria, which is a speech disorder caused by brain injury 2
- Limb ataxia, which is a loss of coordination in the arms or legs 2
Clinical Presentation
The clinical presentation of cerebellar hemorrhage can range from symptoms mimicking ischemic stroke to catastrophic neurologic decline 3. The size of the hemorrhage and the degree of perilesional edema can affect the symptomatology. In some cases, cerebellar hemorrhage can lead to life-threatening complications such as brainstem compression and hydrocephalus 4.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of cerebellar hemorrhage is typically made using computed tomography (CT) scanning or other imaging techniques. Treatment options may include surgical intervention, such as ventricular shunting or clot evacuation, or conservative management 5. The level of consciousness may be a better guide in management than the size of the clot 5. Early suboccipital decompressive surgery may be life-saving in some cases, but the potential risk involved is unnecessary if the hemorrhage is benign and can be managed conservatively or with insertion of an external ventricular drain 4.