CLINICAL-DATA AND COURSE OF CEREBELLAR IN FARCTION

This study included 125 cases of cerebellar infarction followed during an average period of 4,3 years. The diagnosis was made by CT or MRI. Infarctions localized to the territory of the superior cerebellar arte ry (SCA) and the territory of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) occurred with the same frequency. Transient ischemic attacks p receded infarction in 26 % of cases. Symptoms and signs were usual wit h sudden association of headache, dizziness, unsteadiness and vomiting . Vestibular signs were more important in infarctions of the PICA terr itory; cerebellar signs and dysarthria were more frequent in infarctio n of the SCA territory. A decreased level of consciousness developed i n only 21 % of cases. Surgical operation was required in 9 cases. Inve stigations have showed the large responsibility of cardiac embolisms a nd atherosclerosis. Short term outcome was more often favourable : 116 patients were alive at the end of the first month; 80 % of survivors were independent one year later. At 5 years, 73 % of patients were ali ve. After the acute period, mortality was mainly due to cerebro-vascul ar and cardiac events.