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Cerebellar Ataxia and Overactive Bladder after Encephalitis Affecting the Cerebellum
Megumi Sugiyama1, Ryuji Sakakibara, Kuniko Tsunoyama
1Clinical Physiology Unit, Toho University, Sakura, Japan.
Case Reports in Neurology
|September 18, 2010
Summary
Cerebellar inflammation following encephalitis can cause neurological issues like ataxia and overactive bladder (OAB). This case highlights the cerebellum's role in urinary dysfunction and neurological symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Urology
Background:
- The cerebellum plays a role in human urinary dysfunction.
- Encephalitis can affect various brain regions, potentially leading to neurological sequelae.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old woman developed symptoms six months after acute encephalitis.
- Symptoms included generalized myoclonus, cerebellar ataxia, and overactive bladder (OAB) characterized by urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence.
Findings:
- Eight years post-onset, MRI revealed cerebellar atrophy, SPECT showed cerebellar hypoperfusion, and urodynamic study confirmed detrusor overactivity.
- These findings suggest a link between selective cerebellar inflammation and the observed neurological and urological symptoms.
Implications:
- Selective cerebellar inflammation may cause cerebellar ataxia and overactive bladder.
- This case underscores the cerebellum's contribution to urinary control and the potential for post-encephalitic urinary dysfunction.
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