Cerebellar atrophy symptoms

Written by Bian Jun Li
Neurology
Updated on January 31, 2025
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The main functions of the cerebellum include maintaining bodily balance, controlling posture and gait, regulating muscle tone, and coordinating the accuracy of voluntary movements. Therefore, the primary symptoms of cerebellar atrophy involve ataxia, with patients displaying instability in standing, a staggering gait similar to that of a drunken walk; speech may manifest as cerebellar speech, or a chanting-like pattern; there can also be disorders in fine motor skills, where some precise movements cannot be accurately performed, and coarse movements may sometimes not be severely affected; additionally, there can be disturbances in eye movement, presenting as tremors of both eyes, and patients may experience symptoms of vertigo clinically.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Does cerebellar atrophy cause dizziness?

Patients with cerebellar atrophy may experience dizziness. In clinical practice, multiple system atrophy that leads to cerebellar degeneration and spinal cerebellar ataxia often present with symptoms of dizziness. Generally, dizziness is very common when there is a lesion in the cerebellum. However, some patients may show significant cerebellar atrophy on imaging but actually do not exhibit symptoms of dizziness. Therefore, the condition can vary from person to person. There are many causes of cerebellar atrophy, including some cerebrovascular diseases that can lead to cerebellar atrophy, with symptoms such as dizziness and ataxia. The key to treating cerebellar atrophy is to properly identify and address the underlying cause.

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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.

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Written by Yin Shun Xiong
Neurology
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Brain atrophy belongs to which department?

Brain atrophy is divided into physiological brain atrophy and pathological brain atrophy. If brain atrophy occurs as a person ages normally and matches their age, this is considered a normal condition. For example, the brain atrophy in an 80-year-old will definitely be more evident than that in a 60-year-old. Such brain atrophy is a physiological change and does not need attention. Secondly, there is pathological brain atrophy, associated with certain diseases, primarily related to neurology, such as frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's disease, etc. These conditions require consultation in neurology.

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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 Shi De Quan
Neurology
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Is brain atrophy a serious condition?

Brain atrophy changes are quite severe, as brain atrophy is a change observable via imaging. If imaging techniques such as CT scans or MRI already reveal these changes, the morphological alterations are significant. Thus, there is a notable impact on limb movement. Post brain atrophy changes manifest as vascular dementia, cognitive impairments, and limb activities, particularly evident weakness in both lower limbs, as well as loss of bladder and bowel control, personality changes, cognitive changes, and emotional disturbances. These symptoms are quite severe.