Cerebellar Stroke in Adults and Children

Stroke in older age has reached epidemic proportions worldwide, and an increasing incidence has also been recognized in young adults and children. This chapter deals with stroke occurring in the cerebellum. Cerebellar stroke may present in a completely different way from common stroke syndromes in the anterior cerebral circulation. It can initially mimic benign vestibular neuritis and may later deteriorate into a life-threatening neurologic state. Posterior circulation stroke presents similarly in children and adults. However, the possibly mild symptoms and signs at onset are frequently overlooked by parents and also by healthcare professionals. We therefore aim to discuss the clinical presentation, treatment, causes, and prognosis of cerebellar stroke in both adults and children. Important differences between children and adults are discussed after each section.