Is brain atrophy a serious condition?

Written by Shi De Quan
Neurology
Updated on April 30, 2025
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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.

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Written by Liu Hong Mei
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Which areas are treated with moxibustion for brain atrophy?

Brain atrophy can be treated with moxibustion at acupuncture points on the head and face, such as the Renzhong, Yintang, Baihui, Fengchi, and Tianzhu points. These points help in revitalizing the brain and supplementing the brain and spinal cord. Brain atrophy is a chronic cerebral vascular disease and falls under the categories of dementia and amnesia in Chinese medicine. Acupuncture can be helpful in the early stages of brain atrophy. Treatments can also be combined with moxibustion, physiotherapy, symptomatic treatment, massage, etc. Acupuncture points on the limbs, such as Neiguan, Shenmen, Hegu on the upper limbs, and Sanyinjiao, Zusanli on the lower limbs can be used to nourish the liver and kidneys, and calm the mind.

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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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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
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Can cerebellar atrophy be treated?

Cerebellar atrophy is a finding observed in imaging studies, often discovered during imaging exams without necessarily presenting corresponding clinical symptoms. The possibility of treating cerebellar atrophy depends primarily on its underlying cause. For instance, cerebellar atrophy caused by genetic disorders, such as spinocerebellar ataxia, which results from genetic mutations, lacks highly effective treatment options. The primary approach in such cases is symptomatic treatment, including administering medications that nourish the nerves. Generally, these diseases progressively worsen. Cerebellar atrophy can also be due to neurodegenerative diseases like multiple system atrophy, which are untreatable. However, cerebellar atrophy caused by long-term alcohol consumption may improve to some extent with abstinence and high doses of vitamin B complex. Additionally, cerebellar atrophy resulting from chronic significant ischemia can be alleviated by addressing the ischemic conditions.

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MRI manifestations of brain atrophy

Patients with cerebral atrophy display clear signs on cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The manifestations on MRI primarily include notably widened cerebral sulci, obvious atrophy of the cerebral lobes, and enlarged ventricles, which are typical presentations of cerebral atrophy. Cerebral atrophy can be categorized into atrophy of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem, each showing different characteristics on MRI, which requires careful differentiation. There are many causes of cerebral atrophy, such as degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, which leads to cerebral atrophy. Cerebral thrombosis and poor cerebral vascular conditions can also cause cerebral atrophy due to insufficient blood supply to the brain. Additionally, drug toxicity and chronic alcoholism can lead to cerebral atrophy, which also needs to be differentiated carefully.