Definition

The cerebellum is located in the lower part of the Brain, towards the back. It controls body movement, eye movement, and balance. Cerebellar Stroke (CVA) occurs when the blood supply to this area of ​​the brain is interrupted. Without oxygen and nutrients from the blood, brain tissue soon dies. This results in the loss of certain functions. Stroke is a serious condition. Requires urgent care.

Causes

There are two main types of stroke:

• Ischemic
• Hemorrhagic

Ischemic stroke (the most common) is due to a sudden decrease in blood flow to a region of the brain. This decrease may be due to:

• The formation of a clot in another part of the body (for example, the heart or neck) that breaks loose and obstructs the flow in a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain (embolus)
• The formation of a clot in an artery that supplies blood to the brain (thrombus)
• A tear in an artery that supplies blood to the brain (arterial dissection)

Hemorrhagic stroke is due to the rupture of a blood vessel, causing bleeding in the brain.

Risk factor's

Listed below are some risk factors that can be controlled or treated. 

- Some conditions, such as:

1. Hypertension
2. High cholesterol
3. Atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup)
4. Atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm)
5. Obesity
6. Metabolic syndrome
7. Type 2 diabetes
8. alcohol drug abuse
9. circulatory problems

- Medications (for example, long-term use of oral contraceptives)
- Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, lack of physical activity, high-sodium diet

Risk factors that cannot be controlled include:

• History of stroke, myocardial infarction, or other types of cardiovascular disease
• History of transient ischemic attack (TIA). In TIAs (“small” strokes), stroke symptoms usually resolve within minutes. It can be an indication of a very high risk of having a stroke in the future.
• Age: 60 years or older
• Family members who have suffered a stroke
• Male gender
• Race: Black, Asian, Hispanic
• Hematologic disorders that increase coagulation

Symptoms

Symptoms of cerebellar strokes come on suddenly and can include:

• Uncoordinated movements of the limbs or trunk (ataxia)
• Difficulty walking, including balance problems
• abnormal reflexes
• tremors
• Vertigo (sensation of movement or spinning when not in motion)
• nausea and vomiting
• severe headaches
• Speech problems (for example, unintelligible speech) and trouble swallowing
• Difficulty feeling pain and temperatures
• difficulty hearing
• Vision problems (such as rapid eye movement, and difficulty controlling eye movement)
• Eye problems (constricted pupils, droopy eyelids)
• loss of consciousness

If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, call emergency services right away. Strokes should be treated as soon as possible. Brain tissue dies rapidly. 

Diagnosis

The doctor will make a diagnosis as soon as possible so that you can receive the proper treatment. Tests may include:

• Computed tomography (CT). This is a type of x-ray that takes pictures of the brain using a computer.
• CT angiography. This is a kind of CT scan that evaluates the blood vessels in the brain and neck.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This is a test that uses magnetic waves to take pictures of the brain.
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). This is a type of MRI that examines the blood vessels in the brain and neck.
• Heart function tests (for example, electrocardiogram)
• Doppler ultrasound. This is a test that uses sound waves to examine blood vessels. 
• Blood test
• Kidney function tests
• Tests to check the ability to swallow

Treatment

Immediate treatment is needed for:

• Dissolve a clot (in the case of ischemic stroke)
• Stop a bleed (in the case of hemorrhagic strokes)

In some cases, oxygen therapy is given.

Medicines

In the case of an ischemic stroke, the doctor may prescribe medications to:

• Dissolve clots and prevent their formation
• fluidize the blood
• control blood pressure
• Reduce brain swelling
• Treat an irregular heart rate

In the case of a hemorrhagic stroke, the doctor may prescribe medications to:

• Counter anticoagulant medications you take regularly
• Reduce the brain's reaction to bleeding
• control blood pressure
• Prevent Seizures

Surgery

In the case of an ischemic stroke, the doctor may perform surgery to:

• Redirect the blood supply in a way that bypasses a clogged artery
• Remove the clot or administer thrombolytic drugs
• Remove fatty deposits from a carotid artery (carotid endarterectomy)
• Widen a carotid artery and keep it open (angioplasty and stenting)

In the case of a hemorrhagic stroke, the doctor may do the following:

• Removing part of the skull to relieve pressure on the brain (craniotomy)
• Placing a clamp or small coil on an aneurysm to stop bleeding

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation programs focus on the following points.

• Physical therapy – to regain as much movement as possible
• Occupational therapy – to help with daily tasks and personal care
• Speech therapy: to improve swallowing and speech
• Psychotherapy: to improve mood and relieve depression

Prevention

To reduce your chances of having a stroke, take the following steps:

• Get regular exercise.
• Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation (1 to 2 drinks a day).
• If you smoke, stop it.
• If you have a chronic condition (for example, high blood pressure or diabetes), take the appropriate treatment.
• If your doctor recommends it, take a low-dose aspirin every day.
• If you're at risk for a stroke, talk to your doctor about taking statins.