The cerebellum is a brain structure believed to primarily control movement and coordination. Researchers are now discovering this brain structure plays a crucial role in behavior and cognition development. Cerebellar injury is considered a potentially severe birth injury which can occur during premature birth.
In the October 2005 issue of Pediatrics, experts at the Boston Children’s Hospital reported that cerebellar birth injury can have a significant effect on a child’s development. These researchers also discovered a close link between the functions of the cerebellum and another brain structure called the cerebrum. The cerebrum is responsible for language, visual processing, and other higher cognitive functions. Experts found that when the cerebrum is damaged, the cerebellum fails to grow normally. Conversely, when a cerebellar brain injury affects one hemisphere, the cerebral area on the opposite side fails to grow normally.
Neurologist Catherine Limperopoulos, author of the Boston preemie birth injury study, reports that these new findings are as important as insight about the brain injury itself. “There seems to be an important developmental link between the cerebrum and the cerebellum. We’re finding that the two structures modulate each other’s growth and development. The way the brain forms connections between structures may be as important as the brain injury itself,” Dr. Limperopoulos states.
In the past, doctors often overlooked or downplayed the effects of cerebellar brain injury. Researchers believe this new understanding of the connection between these brain structures will change the way the medical community treats cerebellar brain injury. Doctors, armed with a better understanding of these connections, will know what to look for when determining brain injury and will be better equipped to counsel families whose children suffer this type of brain injury.
According to medical experts, children with cerebellar brain injuries are likely to suffer other deficiencies in addition to motor problems. Early intervention may be tremendously beneficial for premature babies who are born with this type of brain injury.
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