Cerebellum

Voluntary motor movement

The cerebellum is involved in the coordination of voluntary motor movement and balance. It is located just above the brain stem and toward the back of the brain. It is relatively well protected from trauma compared to the frontal and temporal lobes and brain stem.

Cerebellar injury results in movements that are slow and uncoordinated. Children with cerebellar lesions tend to sway and stagger when walking.

Damage to the cerebellum can lead to loss of coordination of motor movement, the inability to judge distance and when to stop, the inability to perform rapid alternating movements, movement tremors, staggering, wide based walking, weak muscles, slurred speech and abnormal eye movements.