Inferior Cerebellar Vermis

Hi,
My wife is in her 20th week of pregnancy. We had the 19th week scan of babies anatomy and were told that the ultrasound shows baby having inferior cerebellar vermis. There were no other abnormalities detected. We are not sure what this means and were not told how this would affect the child. All we have been told that this is not good and we should be considering the termination of pregnancy. Can anyone let know what this is about as we are not sure in what direction to go.
Much appreciated.


This discussion is related to Diagnosis of Agenesis of Inferior Vermis.

[TeddiH]

Im so sorry to hear! As far as I know its not life threatening, your child would still live, however with challenges.
This is something that I found on the net to just give you an idea....

*Diagnosis of Cerebellar disorders

The main clinical features of cerebellar disorders include incoordination, imbalance, and troubles with stabilizing eye movements. There are two distinguishable cerebellar syndromes -- midline and hemispheric.

Midline cerebellar syndromes are characterized by imbalance. Persons are unsteady, they are unable to stand in Romberg with eyes open or closed, and are unable to well perform tandem gait. Severe midline disturbance causes "trunkal ataxia" a syndrome where a person is unable to sit on their bed without steadying themselves. Some persons have "titubation" or a bobbing motion of the head or trunk. Midline cerebellar disturbances also often affect eye movements. There may be nystagmus, ocular dysmetria and poor pursuit.

Hemispheric cerebellar syndromes are characterized by incoordination of the limbs. There may be decomposition of movement, dysmetria, and rebound. Dysdiadochokinesis is the irregular performance of rapid alternating movements. Intention tremors may be present on an attempt to touch an object. A kinetic tremor may be present in motion. The finger-to-nose and heel-to-knee tests are classic tests of hemispheric cerebellar dysfunction. While reflexes may be depressed initially with hemispheric cerebellar syndromes, this cannot be counted on. Speech may be dysarthric, scanning, or have irregular emphasis on syllables.

Laboratory diagnosis of Cerebellar Disorders

The diagnosis of a cerebellar disorder is usually made by a neurologist, and is usually straightforward, due to the high specificity of the signs described above.

ENG or rotatory chair testing may show specific signs of a cerebellar disorder. In general, one must be very careful in using these studies as the audiologists who commonly interpret ENG tests, generally are unfamiliar with central disorders, and often simply say that the patient has a "central vestibular disorder", rather than indicate that they don't find anything wrong with their patient's ears. *

Also I do have an aunt that has cerebellar palsy. In her case she thinks exactly the same as you and I she just can not control her actions.
Wish you and your family luck!!

[JoyRenee]

I would do some research and if termination is not even something you could consider then don't do it. It it completely and wholly your choice. This little one is alive, moving in your wife's belly, sucking their thumb, etc., etc. They are a part of you. Remember that whatever choice you make is one you have to live with for the rest of your lives. It's NOT an easy choice.

If it were ME I would not terminate the pregnancy.

I'm so sorry you're in this situation!

[shuga1109]

Im sorry to hear about your baby.  When I was pregnant with my third son, I was told he was going to be a down syndrome baby, due to calcifications around his heart and other areas, as well as a large head.  I continued with my pregnancy and it was difficult.  His father and I educated ourselves and prepared ourselves.  We had Many tears, many days, many sleepless nights before he was born.  I had prayer after prayer.  My son was born just fine.  He is autistic, but high functioning.  He walks fine, talks fine, and is not 8 years old.  His autism is not as severe as others, but we still go through many challenges.  He is a blessing.  Although it is still not easy, I thank god every day for my son.  Im thankful that he did not turn out with down syndrome, and thankful for not terminating the pregnancy.  Education is key.  Educate yourselves on this and talk about it.  Did the doctor tell you to consider termination, or someone else?  Get a second opinion from another doctor or specialist before you consider termination.  Your child is worth all the homework.  Again, Im sorry about your bad news.  You are in my prayers.  

[donkarnash]

Thank you all for the reply. It is a difficult time for us, specially for my wife. We are still due for another scan now. The chromosomes tests have come positive. I comfort my wife by saying that the baby is still growing (and I am praying) that this still could pass us by. The decision will be tough if it comes to worst, but my hopes are still high. It is very comforting to hear from you and be in your prayers. One of the strange things that happens in nature.
Once again thank you for the replies and my prayers would also be with those who are in these difficult situation.
God bless all!

[shmi08]

I talked to a radiologist friend about your situation. He said inferior cerebellar vermis is a difficult diagnosis to be made on usg and need further investigation (fetal mri, iguess).
I don't know what to say. Maybe talk to your doctor. Keeping your family in my prayers.

[donkarnash]

Hi all,
We are due for another scan in weeks time. The chromosone tests for the baby came thru as fine. No abnormalities there. I will keep you updated what happens now on.
Thanks for all the information and support.
Greatly appreciated.

[rez123]

donkarnash:

my wife is 28 week pregnant and our fetal MRI shows agenesis of inferior cerebellar. please let us know aout your experence and outcome.

thanks,
Rez