Journal Article Systematic Review Epublish
PubMed: 42523961 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1850241
Probing the linguistic cerebellum: a qualitative review of the effects of cerebellar neurostimulation on language processing.
Front Psychiatry 17:1850241
Authors: Sabrina Turker, Gesa Hartwigsen
Affiliations
- Brain and Language Lab, Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. Research Group Cognition and Plasticity, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
- Research Group Cognition and Plasticity, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
- Cognitive and Biological Psychology, Wilhelm Wundt Institute for Psychology, Leipzig, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
Abstract
The cerebellum has historically been underrepresented in language research. However, converging evidence from lesion and neuroimaging studies supports its crucial involvement in phonological and semantic aspects of language processing, highlighting the relevance of cerebro-cerebellar circuits in language-related functions. Likewise, cerebellar neurostimulation has emerged as a promising tool for modulating sensorimotor and higher-order cognitive processes. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science following PRISMA guidelines and the present review synthesizes findings from 30 neurostimulation studies probing the causal role of the cerebellum for language processing. It summarizes transcranial electric and magnetic stimulation studies in neurotypical speakers and readers, and individuals with higher-order language disorders. Special emphasis is placed on studies combining cerebellar stimulation with behavioral interventions to assess the potential of improving language-related outcomes in clinical populations. Collectively, these studies support the role of the right posterolateral cerebellum as a key modulator of language functions, especially meaning-related operations.
MeSH
Language, Reading, Cerebellum, Linguistics