What is cerebellar infarction?

A condition caused by impaired blood circulation supplying the cerebellum, leading to ischemia, hypoxia, and localized ischemic necrosis of brain tissue. It results in a series of cerebellar damage symptoms and is a relatively rare type of cerebral infarction, accounting for about 1.5%–3% of ischemic strokes.

Which department treats cerebellar infarction?

English name: Cerebellar infarction

Aliases: Cerebellar stroke, cerebellar apoplexy

Departments: Neurology, Neurosurgery

What are the common causes of cerebellar infarction?

The most common cause is atherosclerosis, often combined with risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and obesity. Cardiogenic diseases, cervical spine disorders, and trauma can also lead to cerebellar infarction.

Who is most susceptible to cerebellar infarction?

Elderly individuals aged 50–80, with men significantly more affected than women.

What are the symptoms of cerebellar infarction?

The cerebellum primarily maintains balance, regulates muscle tone, and coordinates voluntary movements. Damage mainly causes balance disorders and ataxia. Symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, unsteady gait, and dysarthria—non-specific signs that are easily misdiagnosed.

Due to its proximity to the posterior cranial fossa, large infarctions may cause severe cerebral edema, compress the brainstem, lead to herniation, and even become life-threatening.

How is cerebellar infarction diagnosed?

Middle-aged or elderly patients with atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, or other stroke risk factors, presenting with acute dizziness, nausea, unsteady gait, or limb clumsiness, should be evaluated for cerebellar infarction. Early diagnosis requires brain MRI, especially diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Vascular imaging (MRA, CTA, or DSA) can identify narrowed vessels, while lipid, glucose, and blood pressure tests confirm risk factors.

How is cerebellar infarction treated?

Acute-phase management includes bed rest. Intravenous thrombolysis is an option in the hyperacute stage. For ineligible patients, antiplatelet therapy, cerebral circulation improvement, and neuroprotective drugs are used, alongside vital sign monitoring and blood pressure control.

Monitor consciousness closely. Patients with progressive worsening, impaired consciousness, or unresponsive to dehydration therapy may require surgical decompression. Post-stabilization, rehabilitation should begin as advised.

What is the prognosis of cerebellar infarction?

Benign cases often recover well with symptomatic treatment. Large cerebellar infarctions have poorer outcomes and higher mortality.

Some patients may experience lasting speech difficulties, gait instability, or limb dysfunction.

How to prevent cerebellar infarction?

1. Adhere to antiplatelet (e.g., aspirin) and lipid-lowering (e.g., statins) therapies;
2. Control risk factors like hypertension and diabetes;
3. Maintain a balanced, low-salt, low-fat, low-sugar diet;
4. Quit smoking, limit alcohol, and adopt healthy habits;
5. Engage in moderate exercise and weight management;
6. Consider interventional surgery for severe vascular stenosis if necessary.