Clinical improvements in higher brain function and rapid functional recovery in a case of cerebellar hemorrhage treated by neurocognitive rehabilitation

Abstract

Cerebellar stroke rarely causes disorders of higher brain function such as cognitive deficits and emotional dysfunction; hence, the prognosis of these patients is uncertain. We report the case of a 34-year-old patient with cerebellar hemorrhage due to arteriovenous malformation causing higher brain dysfunction who was able to return to full-time employment after neurocognitive rehabilitation. Cerebellar stroke caused by nonatherosclerotic diseases or diaschisis may lead to cognitive deficits but these symptoms can be reversed by appropriate therapy. It is important to assess higher brain function in cerebellar stroke patients and to tailor neurocognitive rehabilitation programs appropriately to promote functional recovery.

Keywords:

• Cerebellar hemorrhage
• Nonatherosclerotic stroke
• Higher brain function
• Neurocognitive rehabilitation
• Functional recovery