Definition
A cerebellar infarction (cerebellum) is a stroke in the cerebellum, which is caused by the occlusion of the arteries supplying the brain or bleeding from them. The vessels originate from the vertebral artery (Arteria vertebralis) and the basilar artery (Arteria basilaris). The vertebral and basilar arteries with their branches form the posterior circulation for supplying the brain, while the carotid arteries (Arteria carotis) represent the anterior circulation.
This supplies most parts of the cerebrum, the midbrain, the eye and other areas. In addition to the cerebellum, the vertebral arteries also supply the brain stem, where many vital bodily processes are controlled. The cerebellum can be described as the center of movement and coordination. Disturbances such as those that occur in a cerebellar infarction lead to various types of movement restrictions.
Causes
The cause of a cerebellar infarction is the occlusion of one or more supply vessels or a local cerebral hemorrhage. The cerebellum is supplied by three arteries: While PICA comes from the vertebral arteries, AICA and SCA come from the basilar artery. If the larger vessels are blocked, the symptoms are more severe than if only one of the cerebellar arteries is affected.
In 80% of cases, the infarction is caused by an occlusion of the feeding vessels, which is known as an ischemic infarction (lack of blood flow). This can be caused by arteriosclerosis (narrowing of the vessels due to calcification of the arteries), thrombosis (blood clot that has come loose elsewhere and is now leading to occlusion) or other vascular diseases. Bleeding in the brain is mainly promoted by vascular damage in chronic hypertension, vascular malformations and the intake of blood thinners (anticoagulants, anticoagulants). Important risk factors that generally increase the risk of stroke are high blood pressure, obesity, lack of exercise, diabetes, long-term tobacco consumption and stress.
- Arteria inferior posterior cerebelli (the lower posterior cerebellar artery, short: PICA)
- Arteria inferior anterior cerebelli (the lower anterior cerebellar artery, short: AICA)
- Arteria superior cerebelli (the upper cerebellar artery, short: SCA)
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