How to look at brain atrophy films

Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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Brain atrophy images, in fact, are simple to read, whether it's brain MRI or head CT scans. You'll notice that the brain sulci have become widened, giving the brain a less full appearance, similar to a walnut, a flattened walnut, not very plump, with widened brain sulci and fissures. The brain volume appears smaller, which is typical of brain atrophy images. The treatment for brain atrophy can involve using medications that nourish brain cells and improve cerebral circulation. In terms of dietary therapy, it's beneficial to consume more walnuts and foods that enhance kidney function regularly. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidney governs the bones and generates marrow, and the brain is considered the sea of marrow; thus, these kidney-nourishing foods are believed to be effective in treating brain atrophy. Foods such as Chinese yam and goji berries can be added to soups or used to make porridge, offering benefits in treating brain atrophy.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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How is brain atrophy treated?

Brain atrophy is a common condition among older patients, characterized by symptoms such as memory decline. Treatment may involve the use of medications that invigorate the blood, improve cerebral circulation, and nourish brain cells. Additionally, dietary therapy can include foods or medicines that nourish the kidneys, and it is recommended to consume more walnuts regularly. Why do foods that nourish the kidneys treat brain atrophy? According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, the kidneys govern the bones and produce marrow, and the brain is the sea of marrow; thus, nourishing the kidneys can treat brain atrophy. Regular consumption of foods like Chinese yam and goji berries is encouraged. These can be added to soups and porridges to help nourish the kidneys and brain, and treat brain atrophy.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Is cerebellar atrophy serious?

Cerebellar atrophy is primarily a radiological finding, typically observed on cranial CT or MRI scans that show cerebellar shrinkage. The extent of cerebellar atrophy does not necessarily correlate with clinical manifestations; the severity of the atrophy may not align with the severity of clinical symptoms. If cerebellar atrophy occurs without any clinical symptoms and the patient remains agile and strong, then it is considered not severe. However, some diseases that cause cerebellar atrophy can be quite severe, such as multiple system atrophy, which has a subtype called olivopontocerebellar atrophy. This condition can lead to significant gait instability and limb ataxia, causing issues like inaccurate finger-to-nose testing and unstable object handling. The symptoms are definitely very severe, and the prognosis is very poor. Additionally, long-term alcohol consumption and alcohol poisoning can also cause cerebellar atrophy, which is also quite severe. In such cases, abstaining from alcohol and administering B vitamins are necessary for treatment, but the prognosis remains poor.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Does cerebellar atrophy cause confusion?

Cerebellar atrophy primarily affects the coordination functions of patients, leading to symptoms such as unstable walking and unsteady handling of objects with the hands. This condition does not have a significant connection with human consciousness, and does not affect the reticular structure of the brainstem or the cerebral cortex. Therefore, patients with cerebellar atrophy do not experience confusion or cognitive impairments. If a patient with cerebellar atrophy does exhibit confusion, it is important to consider other possible causes, such as electrolyte disturbances due to poor food intake or concurrent diseases, such as cerebral cortex thrombosis, hemorrhage, or brainstem infarction. It is necessary to conduct additional laboratory tests and cranial magnetic resonance imaging to confirm these conditions.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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The reason why people with cerebral atrophy curse

This situation primarily arises from brain atrophy causing Alzheimer's disease, which is a very common neurodegenerative disorder. In the middle and late stages, patients may exhibit significant personality changes, becoming irritable, easily angered, and paranoid, often engaging in behaviors such as hitting or cursing others. They may also experience hallucinations, such as vivid visual and auditory hallucinations. The disease is mainly due to the degeneration and death of neurons in the temporal lobe and hippocampus, leading to the atrophy of the cerebral cortex. This causes the release of some of the patient's primitive instincts, leading to a series of clinical manifestations, which can be symptomatically managed.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Symptoms of cerebral atrophy

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.