Small cerebellar strokes may mimic labyrinthine lesions.

Thirty nine cases of cerebellar infarct and haemorrhage were seen over a period of 3 years. Of these, 69% had no impairment of consciousness. Six cases had nystagmus and gait ataxia as their only abnormal signs. Small cerebellar strokes may present with only vertigo, unsteady gait, and unidirectional nystagmus, thus mimicking labyrinthine lesions. Care in managing vertigo attacks in patients with risk factors for cerebrovascular disease appears to be warranted.