{Reference Type}: Consensus Development Conference
{Title}: Current Opinions and Areas of Consensus on the Role of the Cerebellum in Dystonia.
{Author}: Shakkottai VG;Batla A;Bhatia K;Dauer WT;Dresel C;Niethammer M;Eidelberg D;Raike RS;Smith Y;Jinnah HA;Hess EJ;Meunier S;Hallett M;Fremont R;Khodakhah K;LeDoux MS;Popa T;Gallea C;Lehericy S;Bostan AC;Strick PL;
{Journal}: Cerebellum
{Volume}: 16
{Issue}: 2
{Year}: 04 2017
{Factor}: 3.648
{DOI}: 10.1007/s12311-016-0825-6
{Abstract}: A role for the cerebellum in causing ataxia, a disorder characterized by uncoordinated movement, is widely accepted. Recent work has suggested that alterations in activity, connectivity, and structure of the cerebellum are also associated with dystonia, a neurological disorder characterized by abnormal and sustained muscle contractions often leading to abnormal maintained postures. In this manuscript, the authors discuss their views on how the cerebellum may play a role in dystonia. The following topics are discussed: The relationships between neuronal/network dysfunctions and motor abnormalities in rodent models of dystonia. Data about brain structure, cerebellar metabolism, cerebellar connections, and noninvasive cerebellar stimulation that support (or not) a role for the cerebellum in human dystonia. Connections between the cerebellum and motor cortical and sub-cortical structures that could support a role for the cerebellum in dystonia. Overall points of consensus include: Neuronal dysfunction originating in the cerebellum can drive dystonic movements in rodent model systems. Imaging and neurophysiological studies in humans suggest that the cerebellum plays a role in the pathophysiology of dystonia, but do not provide conclusive evidence that the cerebellum is the primary or sole neuroanatomical site of origin.