The brain is one of the most complex organs in the human body. It is made up of more than a billion nerves that communicate via synapses. The brain has many parts to it that are specific to different tasks. For example, the cerebellum, also known as the “little brain” is found in the back of the brain and is responsible for coordination and balance. So, what does that mean exactly? The cerebellum is the part of the brain that allows us to drive, to walk, and to throw a ball and it even helps with vision and eye movement. Ultimately, the cerebellum helps humans with anything involving movement and coordination. In fact, when we get drunk, the cerebellum is affected hence people not being able to walk right or slurring their words. Many cerebellar disorders result in difficulty speaking, not being able to walk, abnormal eye movements, and lack of muscle control. Although the cerebellum is known as the “little brain” the cerebellum plays a huge role in our everyday functions.
In my personal experience, my second cousin suffers from an injury that partially damaged the cerebellum. He had fallen off a deck and hit his head resulting in many surgeries and eventually the doctors stated that his cerebellum was among one of the parts of the brains that was damaged. What was the result of this damage? Well, it took him a while to learn how to walk again and talk again and he still to this day cannot drive despite the injury being over 20 years ago. Today, he has difficulty walking and it takes him longer to get from point A to point B. With practice and many physical therapy sessions, my cousin has gotten a little better at walking but still will not be as healthy as he was before his injury. His injuries also affected his speech. He often slurs words and can forget certain things he says. He repeats himself time and time again because he lacks the part of his brain that lets him to speak clearly. That being said, the cerebellum is an extremely important part of the brain that helps us do normal things.
Cerebellum, www.neuroskills.com/brain-injury/cerebellum/.
You did a great job of explain what the cerebellum is and how much importance it has. I did not realize how much the cerebellum had to do with functions of every day activities in so many different ways. I am very sorry to hear that about your cousin. I hope he continues to get better and hopefully a type of treatment or drug will be invented that will help his cerebellum. : )