| Cerebellar degeneration | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Cerebellum (labeled bottom right) of the human brain. It is located above the brain stem, posterior to the brain. | |
| Specialty | Neurology |
Cerebellar degeneration is a condition in which cerebellar cells, otherwise known as neurons, become damaged and progressively weaken in the cerebellum.[1] There are two types of cerebellar degeneration; paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, and alcoholic or nutritional cerebellar degeneration.[2] As the cerebellum contributes to the coordination and regulation of motor activities, as well as controlling equilibrium of the human body, any degeneration to this part of the organ can be life-threatening. Cerebellar degeneration can result in disorders in fine movement, posture, and motor learning in humans, due to a disturbance of the vestibular system. This condition may not only cause cerebellar damage on a temporary or permanent basis, but can also affect other tissues of the central nervous system, those including the cerebral cortex, spinal cord and the brainstem (made up of the medulla oblongata, midbrain, and pons).[2]
Cerebellar degeneration can be attributed to a plethora of hereditary and non-hereditary conditions. More commonly, cerebellar degeneration can also be classified according to conditions that an individual may acquire during their lifetime, including infectious, metabolic, autoimmune, paraneoplastic, nutritional or toxic triggers.[3]
- ^ "Cerebellar degeneration". Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program. U.S. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved 2018-10-09.
- ^ a b "Cerebellar Degeneration, Subacute". NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). Retrieved 2018-10-09.
- ^ "Cerebellar degeneration". Clinical Advisor. 2016-12-20. Retrieved 2018-10-09.