Cerebellum

A brain structure located at the top of the brain stem that coordinates the brain’s instructions for skilled, repetitive movements and helps maintain balance and posture.

Research suggests the cerebellum may also play a role, along with the cerebrum, in some emotional and cognitive processes.

Although rare, cerebellar degeneration can occur. Cerebellar degeneration is a process in which neurons in the cerebellum deteriorate and die. Diseases that cause cerebellar degeneration can also involve other areas of the central nervous system, including the spinal cord, medulla oblongata, cerebral cortex, and brain stem. Neurological diseases that feature cerebellar degeneration include ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (when there is lack of blood flow or oxygen to the cerebellum), cerebellar cortical atrophy, multisystem atrophy, and olivopontocerebellar degeneration.

Find out more about your cerebellum

Initially thought to just control movement find out what we're learning about our cerebellum.