Abstract
Cerebellar infarctions often go unrecognized and misdiagnosed. Easily confused with peripheral vestibular system dysfunction, physicians often miss the cardinal symptoms of dizziness and an abnormal gait. If not treated appropriately and quickly, cerebellar infarcts can lead to coma and death. This review discusses the key features of cerebellar infarction, including the anatomical origination and clinical symptomology of the infarcts. Evaluation recommendations include neuroimaging analysis, which can help clarify the etiology and aid in making therapeutic decisions. Management of patients with cerebellar infarcts is similar to that of patients with posterior circulation ischemia. Antithrombotic drugs, thrombolytics, surgery, and angioplasty/stenting are options.
MeSH terms
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Basilar Artery / anatomy & histology
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Basilar Artery / physiology
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Brain Edema / etiology
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Brain Edema / pathology
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Brain Edema / physiopathology
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Brain Infarction / complications
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Brain Infarction / pathology*
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Brain Infarction / physiopathology*
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Cerebellar Ataxia / etiology
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Cerebellar Ataxia / pathology
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Cerebellar Ataxia / physiopathology
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Cerebellar Diseases / complications
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Cerebellar Diseases / pathology*
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Cerebellar Diseases / physiopathology*
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Cerebellum / blood supply
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Cerebellum / pathology
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Cerebellum / physiopathology
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Gait Disorders, Neurologic / etiology
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Gait Disorders, Neurologic / pathology
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Gait Disorders, Neurologic / physiopathology
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Humans
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Vertebral Artery / anatomy & histology
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Vertebral Artery / physiology
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Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / complications
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Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / pathology*
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Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / physiopathology*
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Vestibular Diseases / etiology
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Vestibular Diseases / pathology
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Vestibular Diseases / physiopathology