Cerebral Atrophy

Cerebral atrophy is loss of brain volume, which may be generalized or focal, seen on CT/MRI. Causes: normal aging, neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer/frontotemporal), vascular disease, trauma, alcohol, and other insults. Clinical: depends on location/extent (cognitive decline, focal deficits). Treatment: treat the underlying cause (vascular risk/alcohol), cognitive/physical rehab, and supportive care; atrophy itself has no specific treatment.

Common Symptoms

Cognitive decline; focal neurologic deficits; imaging shows widened sulci/enlarged ventricles; depends on cause

Causes and Pathogenesis

Neuronal loss from aging/degeneration/vascular/toxic/traumatic causes produces widened sulci and enlarged ventricles.

Treatment

Treat underlying cause; cognitive/physical rehab; supportive; control vascular risk

Preventive Measures

Control vascular risk; avoid alcohol excess; cognitive/physical activity.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.