Cerebellum
From Holoprosencephaly
Definition
The cerebellum is a cauliflower-shaped brain structure located just above the brainstem, beneath the occipital lobes at the base of the skull.
Description
The word cerebellum comes from the Latin word for "little brain." The cerebellum has traditionally been recognized as the unit of motor control that regulates muscle tone and coordination of movement. There is an increasing number of reports that support the idea that the cerebellum also contributes to non-motor functions such as cognition (thought processes) and affective state (emotion).
The cerebellum plays an important role in sending and receiving messages (nerve signals) necessary for the production of muscle movements and coordination.
Disorders
There are a variety of disorders that involve or affect the cerebellum.
Typical symptoms of cerebellar disorders include hypotonia (poor muscle tone), movement decomposition (muscular movement that is fragmented rather than smooth), dysmetria (impaired ability to control the distance, power, and speed of an act), gait disturbances (abnormal pattern of walking), abnormal eye movement, and dysarthria (problems with speaking).
Treatment
There is no cure. Treatment is supportive
Sources
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-03/ifri-rdg030607.php
If you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to discuss your concerns with your child's doctor(s).
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