Can you help us?

Almost a year ago, the doctor told my 84 Year old mother-in-law  that they thought she may be taking TIA's. On July 10, They thought she had a stroke. Since then all kinds of tests Cat-Scan, MRI X-rays, blood work, ultrasounds have been done. All come back clear except that her brain is shrinking. Well she is still in hospital and about every 3 weeks it all happens again. They have no idea. It seems to start with her lower back (spasms) they get worse and then she usually throws up, passes out, has slurred speech, and tremors on her right side. The tremors usually last for a couple of days and slurred speech for up to a week. She doesn't always remember what happened or some parts she does. I feel so bad for her and she needs to at least find out what is wrong. She was so healthy until this. Do you have any suggestions?

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
Cerebral atrophy or shrinking of brain is a condition characterized by a decrease in the size or a wasting away of brain cells and tissues. It may result from malnutrition, abnormal cell or hormonal changes, or stroke. Since your mother in law is thought to have suffered from TIAs and Strokes, thus Cerebral atrophy may have occurred. Symptoms include muscle weakness(tremors), vision or speech impairments, and dementia. Seizures can take different forms, appearing as disorientation, repetitive movements, loss of consciousness, or convulsions. Though there is no specific treatment for cerebral atrophy, symptomatic treatment may be given to relieve the symptoms. Please consult a neurologist for management. Hope this helps you. Take care and regards!