Clinical-psychological characteristics of children with dysgenesis of the cerebellar vermis

Neurosci Behav Physiol. 2007 Oct;37(8):755-9. doi: 10.1007/s11055-007-0078-4.

Abstract

This report addresses behavioral abnormalities in children with cerebellar anomalies demonstrated on MRI scans. Published data are presented showing an interaction between cerebellar pathology and early childhood autism. The cerebellum is involved not only in movement coordination, but also in social adaptation and verbal communication. The genes expressed in the cerebellum during childhood are identical to those expressed in the hippocampus. We have observed 20 children with MRI-identified agenesis of the cerebellar vermis and behavioral abnormalities; children were aged 3-15 (mean 7.05) years and there were 12 males and eight females. A variety of autistic characteristics were identified in these children.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Affective Symptoms / etiology
  • Affective Symptoms / psychology
  • Ataxia / etiology
  • Ataxia / psychology
  • Cerebellum / abnormalities*
  • Cerebellum / growth & development
  • Cerebellum / pathology
  • Child
  • Child Behavior
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Language Development Disorders / etiology
  • Language Development Disorders / psychology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Movement Disorders / etiology
  • Nervous System Malformations / pathology
  • Nervous System Malformations / psychology*
  • Phenotype
  • Speech Disorders / etiology
  • Speech Disorders / psychology