What causes atrophy of the cerebellum?
What causes atrophy of the cerebellum?
Cerebellar degeneration can be caused by a variety of factors including inherited gene changes ( mutations ), chronic alcohol abuse, and paraneoplastic disorders. Treatment for cerebellar degeneration varies depending on the underlying cause.
What are the symptoms of cerebellar atrophy?
The most characteristic symptom of cerebellar degeneration is a wide-based, unsteady, lurching walk, often accompanied by a back and forth tremor in the trunk of the body. Other symptoms may include slow, unsteady and jerky movement of the arms or legs, slowed and slurred speech, and nystagmus…
Is cerebral atrophy life threatening?
Cerebral atrophy is life threatening, and there is no known cure. Treatment for cerebral atrophy focuses on treating the symptoms and complications of the disease. In cases in which cerebral atrophy is due to an infection, treatment of the infection may stop the symptoms of atrophy from worsening.
Is cerebral atrophy genetic?
Experts suggest a mix of genetic and environmental factors may be involved. Sometimes, an acquired condition, such as AIDS, can be associated with cerebral atrophy and degenerative dementia. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome can cause progressive brain atrophy and behavioral changes in association with alcohol abuse.
What is the treatment of cerebral atrophy?
There is no specific treatment or cure for cerebral atrophy. Some symptoms of underlying causes can be managed and treated. Controlling blood pressure and eating a healthy, balanced diet is advised. Some research suggests that physical exercise may slow the speed of atrophy.
Can cerebral atrophy curable?
There is no cure for cerebral atrophy. Once brain cells have been lost, the damage is permanent. Treatment for cerebral atrophy focuses on treating the symptoms and complications of cerebral atrophy.
What is cerebellar atrophy and what causes it?
The cerebellum itself is an anatomical formation (older than even the middle brain), consisting of two hemispheres, in the connecting furrow between which is a cerebellar worm. The causes of cerebellar atrophy are very different and include a fairly extensive list of diseases that can damage the cerebellum and its associated connections.
Can phenytoin cause cerebellar atrophy?
Cerebellar atrophy was found using MRI scanning in 20 of 56 patients who took phenytoin for over 2 months (49 c). Patients with a prior history of status epilepticus, severe head trauma, or meningitis were excluded, since these disorders can cause cerebellar atrophy.
Is cerebellar atrophy a symptom of PEHO syndrome?
In the white matter disorders, MRI appearance of the white matter is mostly sufficiently specific to make a diagnosis. Cerebellar atrophy is one of the diagnostic features in PEHO syndrome (progressive encephalopathy with edema, hypsarrhythmia and optic atrophy) and usually appears in the second year of life.
Does PHT cause cerebellar atrophy in epileptics?
Histologic changes of cerebellar atrophy in epileptics were reported by Spielmeyer (1920) long before the identification of PHT as a major anticonvulsant drug by Merritt and Putman (1938).
