Spontaneous cerebellar strokes. Clinical observations in 60 patients.

This is a retrospective study carried out by clinical analysis of the authors' experience in 60 patients with cerebellar strokes--of which 39 were spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage and 21 were cerebellar infarction--to compare the clinical presentation, course, and prognosis. Hypertension was found to be the most important etiologic factor. Clinical differentiation of cerebellar hemorrhage from infarction was not possible, but the management was similar in both entities. Computerized tomography was necessary to make diagnosis of the stroke mechanism. In evaluating outcome, the authors conclude that the most important single factor affecting the prognosis was the early correct diagnosis.