Neural and Behavioral Correlates of Cerebellar Ataxia

Damage to the cerebellum and its input structures will lead to symptoms of cerebellar ataxia, such as intention tremor, or balance and gait problems. While the clinical presentation of cerebellar dysfunction is well described, the neurophysiology behind such dysfunction are still incompletely understood. This research has been supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgesellschaft (German Science Foundation).

Team members: The lead of the German group is Dr. Dagmar Timmann. She heads the Motorik Labor at the Department of Neurology, University of Essen Medical Center.

konczak_juergen
Dr. Jürgen Konczak
Dagmar Timmann, M.D.
Dagmar Timmann

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relevant publications:

Motor training-related brain reorganization in patients with cerebellar degeneration. Draganova R, Konietschke F, Steiner KM, Elangovan N, Gümüs M, Göricke SM, Ernst TM, Deistung A, van Eimeren T, Konczak J, Timmann D. Hum Brain Mapp. 2022 Apr 1;43(5):1611-1629. doi: 10.1002/hbm.25746. Epub 2021 Dec 11.

Validation of a German version of the Cerebellar Cognitive Affective/ Schmahmann Syndrome Scale: preliminary version and study protocol. Thieme A, Roeske S, Faber J, Sulzer P, Minnerop M, Elben S, Jacobi H, Reetz K, Dogan I, Barkhoff M, Konczak J, Wondzinski E, Siebler M, Mueller O, Sure U, Schmahmann JD, Klockgether T, Synofzik M, Timmann D. Neurol Res Pract. 2020 Sep 29;2:39. doi: 10.1186/s42466-020-00071-3. eCollection 2020.

Neurostructural changes and declining sensorimotor function due to cerebellar cortical degeneration. Draganova R, Pfaffenrot V, Steiner KM, Göricke SL, Elangovan N, Timmann D, Konczak J. J Neurophysiol. 2021 May 1;125(5):1735-1745. doi: 10.1152/jn.00266.2020. Epub 2021 Mar 24.

Brain changes associated with postural training in patients with cerebellar degeneration: a voxel-based morphometry study. Burciu RG, Fritsche N, Granert O, Schmitz L, Spönemann N, Konczak J, Theysohn N, Gerwig M, van Eimeren T, Timmann D. J Neurosci. 2013 Mar 6;33(10):4594-604. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3381-12.2013.

Location and restoration of function after cerebellar tumor removal-a longitudinal study of children and adolescents. Küper M, Döring K, Spangenberg C, Konczak J, Gizewski ER, Schoch B, Timmann D. Cerebellum. 2013 Feb;12(1):48-58. doi: 10.1007/s12311-012-0389-z.

Balance control in sitting and standing in children and young adults with benign cerebellar tumors. Schoch B, Hogan A, Gizewski ER, Timmann D, Konczak J. Cerebellum. 2010 Sep;9(3):324-35. doi: 10.1007/s12311-010-0165-x.

Recovery of upper limb function after cerebellar stroke: lesion symptom mapping and arm kinematics. Konczak J, Pierscianek D, Hirsiger S, Bultmann U, Schoch B, Gizewski ER, Timmann D, Maschke M, Frings M. Stroke. 2010 Oct;41(10):2191-200. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.110.583641. Epub 2010 Sep 2.

Balance and motor speech impairment in essential tremor. Kronenbuerger M, Konczak J, Ziegler W, Buderath P, Frank B, Coenen VA, Kiening K, Reinacher P, Noth J, Timmann D. Cerebellum. 2009 Sep;8(3):389-98. doi: 10.1007/s12311-009-0111-y. Epub 2009 May 19.

Current advances in lesion-symptom mapping of the human cerebellum. Timmann D, Konczak J, Ilg W, Donchin O, Hermsdörfer J, Gizewski ER, Schoch B. Neuroscience. 2009 Sep 1;162(3):836-51. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.01.040. Epub 2009 Jan 27.

The effect of damage to the cerebellum on sensorimotor and cognitive function in children and adolescents. Konczak J, Timmann D. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2007;31(8):1101-13. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2007.04.014. Epub 2007 May 16.

Impact of surgery and adjuvant therapy on balance function in children and adolescents with cerebellar tumors. Schoch B, Konczak J, Dimitrova A, Gizewski ER, Wieland R, Timmann D. Neuropediatrics. 2006 Dec;37(6):350-8. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-964904.

Functional recovery of children and adolescents after cerebellar tumour resection. Konczak J, Schoch B, Dimitrova A, Gizewski E, Timmann D. Brain. 2005 Jun;128(Pt 6):1428-41. doi: 10.1093/brain/awh385. Epub 2005 Jan 19.