Cerebellar Cognitive-Affective Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Introduction

The cerebellum has traditionally been found to be the only coordinator of motor functions, however, recent studies have shown that the cerebellum also has a role in cognitive and affective processing. CCAS is characterized by impaired executive functions, visual–spatial disorganization, emotional dysregulation, changes in personality and language deficits. The cognitive and affective symptoms that make up the CCAS have been attributed to disorders of the cerebral hemispheres, specifically in association areas and paralimbic regions.

Case report

A 26-year-old woman is presented, with a history of sexual abuse at the age of 14, a history of psychiatric hospitalizations due to multiple depressive episodes and suicide attempts since the age of 16, who also presents a deficiency in information processing speed and visual–spatial disorganization. CMR is performed showing evidence of cerebellar cortex atrophy.

Discussion/conclusion

Early identification and diagnosis of CCAS is vital for effective therapy and perhaps better outcomes. Faced with a profile with cognitive-affective symptoms, neuropsychological deficits, and language disorders, CCAS should be included in the differential diagnosis, and physicians should intentionally look for cerebellar lesions.