What causes cerebellar agenesis?
The exact cause of isolated cerebellar agenesis often remains unknown. Most cases occur randomly for unknown reasons (sporadically). A genetic cause is only documented in an extremely rare syndrome of cerebellar agenesis and agenesis of the pancreas, resulting in neonatal diabetes mellitus.
What if a baby is born without a cerebellum?
The cerebellum controls smooth movement, and when it does not develop, the rest of the brain must compensate, which it cannot do completely. The condition is not fatal on its own, but people born without a cerebellum experience severe developmental delays, language deficits, and neurological abnormalities.
What happens when you have an underdeveloped cerebellum?
People with this condition have an unusually small and underdeveloped cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that coordinates movement. This brain malformation leads to problems with balance and coordination (ataxia) that become apparent in infancy and remain stable over time.
Can a person survive without cerebellum?
Even though the cerebellum has so many neurons and takes up so much space, it is possible to survive without it, and a few people have. There are nine known cases of cerebellar agenesis, a condition where this structure never develops.
Can you walk without cerebellum?
People with cerebellar agenesis are clumsy. Most can walk (though they may need a cane), but fine motor skills like writing, typing, and speaking are a challenge.
How is life without a cerebellum?
The near-total absence of the cerebellum is a rare congenital condition with a wide phenotypic heterogeneity ranging from a severe to mild impairment of motor, cognitive, and behavioral functions.
Is there any cure for cerebellar hypoplasia?
What is the treatment? Since the condition is caused by a lack of development of the brain, there is no treatment.
Can you talk without a cerebellum?
The responsibilities haven’t been redistributed. So your brain function wouldn’t adapt, there would just be things missing. That means you wouldn’t be able to walk, speak, eat, think clearly, or feel emotions, at least not in a complex way.
Can the cerebellum regenerate?
Nerves in the central nervous system of adult mammals do not usually regenerate when injured. The granule cell, a nerve cell located in the cerebellum, is different. When its fibres, called parallel fibres, are cut, rapid regeneration ensues and junctions with other neurons called “synapses” are rebuilt.
Is cerebellar hypoplasia painful?
Cerebellar hypoplasia is a developmental condition in which the cerebellum of the brain fails to develop properly. The cerebellum is the portion of the brain that controls fine motor skills, balance, and coordination. The condition is not painful or contagious.
Can the cerebellum repair itself?
Fortunately, recovery is possible. The key to healing any brain injury, including cerebellar injuries, is to engage your brain’s neuroplasticity. Completing therapy exercises daily can promote improvements in your balance, coordination, and cognitive skills.
How does the cerebellum affect your everyday life?
The cerebellum is a part of the brain that plays a vital role in virtually all physical movement. This part of the brain helps a person drive, throw a ball, or walk across the room. The cerebellum also assists people with eye movement and vision.