Infectious Cerebellitis Rare Entity About Two Cases

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebellitis is an inflammatory pathology of cerebellar structures more common in children, frequently of post-infectious origin or following vaccination, seldom during a viral or bacterial infection. Ataxia is most frequently caused by dysfunction of the complex circuitry connecting the cerebellum, basal ganglia and cerebral cortex. Results: We report the case of 2 patients aged 3 and 10 years presenting acute cerebellitis of infectious origin: Ataxic syndrome associated with balance disorders and speech disorders and fever. The evolution was quickly favorable with corticosteroid therapy and proprioceptive physiotherapy. The absence of fatalities in our case report suggests early diagnosis, and steroid treatment can increase the chance of recovery. Discussion: Clinical presentations are deceptive and variable with cerebellar symptoms of acute kinetic and static ataxia with inflammatory signs. The treatment is based on steroids when symptoms are moderate to severe. Antimicrobial therapy should always be considered, because ataxia can be a presenting sign of both viral encephalitis and bacterial meningitis. The prognosis for acute cerebellitis is generally favorable. The courses vary from what is commonly a benign and self-limiting disease to what occasionally is fulminant disease resulting in several cerebellar damage or even sudden death. Conclusion: Recognizing ataxia in children can be difficult, which is why a lumbar punction should be considered if infectious cerebellitis is suspected. Most people fully recover, however there is a risk of lasting disability.