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Clinical Features, Assessment, and Management of Patients with Developmental and Other Cerebellar Disorders

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Book cover Development of the Cerebellum from Molecular Aspects to Diseases

Part of the book series: Contemporary Clinical Neuroscience ((CCNE))

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Abstract

The cerebellum is essential for processing, modulating, and controlling movement, behavior, and cognitive functions. Cerebellar disorders cause tremor and incoordination, larger variability, and inaccuracy of movements during eye and limb movements, stance, and speech. Cerebellar dysfunction also results in impaired cognition and behavior. During the clinical assessment, details of the presenting complaints including onset and time course of ataxia, other symptoms, past medical history including developmental milestones, family history, and drug history are elicited. On examination emphasis is placed on examining the motor system especially speech and eye and limb movements. Other aspects include general examination, head size, dysmorphic features, neurocutaneous stigmata, and cognitive function assessment. A thorough exam of the cranial nerves, tone, strength, coordination, reflexes, gait, and sensation should be undertaken. A comprehensive assessment helps to narrow down the diagnostic possibilities and offers clues to specific disorders of the cerebellum. Management is guided by disease etiology.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Pediatric Neurology, Children’s Hospital, AE 308, 820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3A 1R9, Canada

    Michael S. Salman MBBS, BSc, MSc, PhD

  2. Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

    Michael S. Salman MBBS, BSc, MSc, PhD

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  1. Michael S. Salman MBBS, BSc, MSc, PhD
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Correspondence to Michael S. Salman MBBS, BSc, MSc, PhD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

    Hassan Marzban

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Salman, M.S. (2017). Clinical Features, Assessment, and Management of Patients with Developmental and Other Cerebellar Disorders. In: Marzban, H. (eds) Development of the Cerebellum from Molecular Aspects to Diseases. Contemporary Clinical Neuroscience. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59749-2_20

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