Cerebellar Hypoplasia
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What is Cerebellar Hypoplasia?Is there any treatment?What is the prognosis?What research is being done?OrganizationsWhat is Cerebellar Hypoplasia?
Cerebellar hypoplasia is a developmental disorder characterized by the incomplete or underdevelopment of the cerebellum. It
may be genetic, or occur sporadically. Cerebellar hypoplasia may be caused by thyroid abnormalities, environmental influences
such as drugs and chemicals or viral infections, or stroke. In infancy, symptoms may include developmental delay, hyptonia,
ataxia, seizures, mental retardation, and involuntary eye movements (nystagmus). At later ages, symptoms include headache,
vertigo, imbalance, and hearing impairment. Cerebellar hypoplasia may be associated with other disorders including Dandy Walker
syndrome, Werdnig-Hoffman syndrome, and Walker-Warburg syndrome.
Is there any treatment?
There is no standard course of treatment for cerebellar hypoplasia. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
What is the prognosis?
Cerebellar hypoplasia is a progressive disorder.
What research is being done?
The NINDS conducts and supports a wide range of studies that explore the complex mechanisms of normal brain development. The
knowledge gained from these fundamental studies provides the foundation for understanding how this process can go awry and,
thus, offers hope for new means to treat and prevent developmental brain disorders, including cerebellar hypoplasia.
Select this link
to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury,
CT
06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100
Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291
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National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
U.S. Dept. of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
P.O. Box 1492
Washington,
DC
20013-1492
nichcy@aed.org
http://www.nichcy.org
Tel: 800-695-0285
Fax: 202-884-8441
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Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by
or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice
on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined
that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
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Last updated February 12, 2007
