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The role of cerebellum in the child neuropsychological functioning

Georges Dellatolas1, Hugo Câmara-Costa2

  • 1GRC 24, Handicap Moteur et Cognitif et Réadaptation, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.

Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|September 22, 2020
PubMed

Insights

This review explores neuropsychological and behavioral outcomes in pediatric cerebellar disorders. It highlights the cerebellum's role in cognitive functions and neurodevelopmental conditions in children.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • The cerebellum, traditionally linked to motor control, plays a crucial role in cognitive and behavioral development.
  • Pediatric cerebellar pathologies encompass a range of conditions including malformations, ataxias, tumors, and acquired injuries.
  • Understanding cerebellar function is vital for addressing neurodevelopmental disorders and cognitive deficits in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review neuropsychologic and behavioral findings in pediatric cerebellar pathologies.
  • To examine the cerebellum's role in cognitive development, neurodevelopmental disorders, and specific cognitive/motor functions.
  • To discuss the cognitive-affective syndrome in children with cerebellar disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of neuropsychologic and behavioral studies.
  • Analysis of findings related to cerebellar malformations, ataxias, tumors, and injuries.
  • Synthesis of research on cerebellar mutism, preterm development, and neurodevelopmental disorders (autism, dyslexia).

Main Results:

  • Pediatric cerebellar disorders are associated with a spectrum of neuropsychologic and behavioral deficits.
  • The cerebellum is implicated in working memory, language, timing, and eye movement control.
  • Cerebellar function is integral to typical development and is affected in conditions like autism spectrum disorder and developmental dyslexia.

Conclusions:

  • The cerebellum's influence extends beyond motor control to complex cognitive and affective functions.
  • Understanding cerebellocerebral connections and internal organization is key to interpreting cognitive findings.
  • Further research is needed to refine the understanding of the cognitive-affective syndrome in pediatric cerebellar disorders.

Keywords:
Acquired cerebellar lesionsCerebellar malformationsCerebellumChildCognitionDevelopmentNeurodevelopmental disordersNeuropsychologyPediatric ataxias

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