What are the symptoms of cerebellar atrophy?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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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.

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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 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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Does brain atrophy cause dizziness?

If it is brain atrophy, generally it does not cause dizziness; patients with mild conditions may not show any clinical symptoms. If it is severe, the main symptoms are those of dementia, such as possible sluggish reactions, memory decline, reduced computational abilities, impaired executive functions, and even psychiatric symptoms. The most common disease clinically observed is Alzheimer's disease. If the patient has cerebellar atrophy, even mild cases might not exhibit any symptoms. Severe cases can experience dizziness, primarily manifesting as feeling drunk, accompanied by unsteady walking, unstable standing, and other signs of ataxia.

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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 Shi De Quan
Neurology
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Is brain atrophy cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy and cerebral atrophy are not the same disease, or even a similar category of issues. Cerebral atrophy generally affects adults and is due to vascular reasons or degenerative causes. Cerebral palsy is more common in children and involves factors from before birth, such as conditions during pregnancy, factors during the delivery process, and also factors after birth that cause permanent brain damage. It is a condition present from a young age, while cerebral atrophy is rare in children.