Symptoms of cerebral atrophy

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on December 08, 2024
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Mild cerebral atrophy may not present any clinical symptoms, and many elderly people show some degree of cerebral atrophy during imaging examinations, which should not be overly worrying. If the cerebral atrophy is more pronounced, it mainly manifests as cognitive dysfunction, such as a decline in memory, reduced computational abilities, diminished executive functions, and possibly the inability to perform complex movements, such as being unable to brush one's teeth or dress oneself. In severe cases, individuals may experience personality changes, becoming irritable, easily angered, suspicious, and may even exhibit psychiatric symptoms, primarily hallucinations.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Do elderly people with brain atrophy experience dizziness?

If a patient exhibits atrophy of the cerebral cortex, elderly individuals generally do not show clinical symptoms of dizziness. The main manifestations are cognitive impairments, such as a decline in memory, computational ability, and judgment, as well as decreased executive functions. Some severe cases may even show personality changes and exhibit mental symptoms. If the patient has significant cerebellar atrophy, it is possible for them to experience dizziness, such as in cases of multiple system atrophy causing cerebellar atrophy, where the elderly may notably suffer from dizziness, which is related to changes in body position, particularly making them prone to dizziness when standing.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Can cerebellar atrophy be treated?

There are various causes of cerebellar atrophy, and whether it can be treated depends crucially on the cause. If the atrophy is caused by genetic heart disease, there are no effective treatment options. For example, cerebellar ataxia due to spinal ataxia or multiple system atrophy typically worsens progressively, manifesting in significant coordination loss, unstable walking, and other clinical symptoms, with a lack of effective treatment options. However, cerebellar atrophy caused by long-term alcohol consumption can be treated. It is most important to quit drinking and then administer high doses of B vitamins, which can significantly improve symptoms. If cerebellar atrophy is caused by cerebellar ischemia, actively improving cerebral blood supply and taking antiplatelet aggregation drugs can also be effective. (Note: This answer is for reference only. Please consult a professional physician for medication guidance and avoid self-medication.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Can cerebellar atrophy be cured?

Cerebellar atrophy is difficult to cure. There are many causes of cerebellar atrophy, such as degenerative diseases of the nervous system. For example, olivopontocerebellar atrophy, which is caused by a disease with an unknown pathogenesis leading to the death of cerebellar cells and resulting in atrophy, currently lacks effective treatment methods and is incurable. Some cases are due to hereditary diseases, such as spinocerebellar ataxia, where patients also suffer from cerebellar atrophy, making it very difficult to cure. In addition, some patients who have been chronically drinking alcohol can also develop cerebellar atrophy due to alcohol poisoning. Although clinical symptoms can be significantly improved by discontinuing alcohol use and administering large amounts of vitamin B1 and B12, the atrophy in the cerebellum cannot be reversed as seen on imaging studies.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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What should I do about brain atrophy?

Brain atrophy includes both physiological and pathological types. Physiological brain atrophy generally occurs as age increases, similar to how wrinkles appear on the face. This type does not usually present symptoms and typically does not require treatment, as some degree of brain shrinkage may happen with age. Pathological brain atrophy, however, can occur in younger individuals and requires investigation to determine the underlying cause. Diagnostic tests should be conducted to clarify the cause of the atrophy and identify any specific diseases, which will guide the treatment plan. Additionally, some patients may experience atrophy due to past events like cerebral hemorrhage or stroke, which are caused by specific lesions. In such cases, treating the original disease is the approach taken, so the treatment plan for brain atrophy should be based on the specific circumstances.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What are the symptoms of cerebellar atrophy?

Patients with cerebellar atrophy usually exhibit the following symptoms: First, these patients generally experience significant dizziness, with some displaying vertigo, a symptom that requires clinical attention. Second, these patients typically exhibit unstable walking as a clinical symptom, and even standing can be very difficult. Third, these patients will experience limb ataxia. For example, when they try to touch their nose with their finger, they miss. Their hands also shake when trying to hold objects. Fourth, individuals with brain atrophy may also exhibit unclear speech, with symptoms such as explosive sounds when speaking. Additionally, the cause of cerebellar atrophy may vary, which can lead to other symptoms. For instance, cerebellar atrophy caused by multisystem atrophy may also present Parkinson-like symptoms.