Even though it's called the cerebellum, don't underestimate it. The function of the cerebellum (cerebellum) is very important in controlling body movements, balance and coordination of muscles.
Various activities that seem simple, such as walking from one place to another, standing tall, or maintaining balance so that it does not fall, can only be accomplished thanks to the function of the cerebellum. The slightest disturbance in the function of the cerebellum can interfere with these activities.
Center for Balance, Movement and Coordination
The cerebellum is only about 1/8 of the cerebrum or 10 percent of the total brain weight. Although minimal in size, the function of the cerebellum plays an important role in coordinating spontaneous movements. For example, moving limbs, moving both eyes and practicing speaking skills.
Imagine when your fingers pressed the piano keys harmoniously or hit the shuttlecock with a badminton racket. At this time the function of the cerebellum plays an active role in controlling the center of balance, movement, and coordination of muscles.
These activities can be disrupted, if problems arise in the function of the cerebellum. Some conditions that can cause disorders of the cerebellum include genetic diseases, cancer, and impairment of degeneration of brain cells.
Beware of Triggers Small Brain Disorders
Impaired cerebellum can cause ataxia, which is when you are unable to control the movements of a limb. This damage can arise due to severe injury to the head or certain diseases, apart from genetic ataxia.
The more common causes of ataxia from illness or injury include:
- Bacterial infections of the brain such as encephalitis and meningitis.
- Viral infections such as measles or chicken pox that attack the brain, although classified as rare.
- Impaired blood supply to the brain caused by certain conditions such as strokes, both due to blocked blood vessels of the brain (ischemic), as well as due to brain blood vessel rupture.
- Cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, underactive thyroid gland, brain tumor or certain types of cancer.
- Severe head injuries, for example due to falls or traffic accidents.
In addition there are also some lifestyles that are at risk of triggering ataxia such as eating patterns that cause vitamin B12 deficiency, mercury poisoning, consumption of long-term alcoholic beverages and drug abuse.
Management of ataxia is by handling the symptoms that occur. This form of treatment can be done through physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or language and speech therapy.
Tips for Maintaining Brain Function
As one of the largest and most complex organs, the brain must always be protected and in good health. A number of tips you can do to sharpen brain function, including:
- Train yourself with useful learning and play activities such as filling in crosswords, composing puzzles, playing musical instruments, drawing, painting, and art activities that make the brain work.
- Getting used to sports regularly.
- Stopping smoking, drinking alcohol and psychotropic beverages.
- Eating healthy foods, especially those containing calcium and potassium as an important source of minerals for the nervous system.
- Protecting vital parts, i.e. use a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle.
It is important to maintain the function of the cerebellum and overall brain health. A healthy brain condition will support your body and mind always well maintained.
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