A traumatic injury to the cerebellum occurring when there is forceful contact with the occipital area and surrounding cranium, particularly bony ridges, leading to cerebellar edema and/or punctate hemorrhages. Characterized by dizziness, drowsiness, dysarthria, ataxia, loss of consciousness, and coma. Other signs and symptoms include fatigue, malaise, nystagmus, vertigo, and mydriasis. Associated with basilar skull fracture, cerebellar hemorrhage, traumatic hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and traumatic brain injury.

Management includes careful assessment and monitoring of symptoms and level of consciousness, mindful that there can be delayed deterioration after cerebellar contusion, which increases risk for complications and death following brain trauma. Wide craniectomy and internal decompression may be advised.