Headaches

[Lilly227]

What is mild cerebral atrophy and what are the risks? does it require surgery?

[pigeonbob]

The md who read my latest mri indicated i had mild diffuse cerebral atrophy. The ventricles of my brain were slightly enlarged. I had tbi in 2010 in an auto accident. I was unconscious for about 45 min. to an hr.
I have read that mild diffuse brain atrophy is normal aging. I have heard that it is accelerated deterioration of the brain and is definitely an issue to address. I dont have another appt. with my neuro until Jan. 2014. Would someone clear up my confusion concerning this?

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

I am assuming that this is a finding on brain MRI. Basically brain atrophy is loss of brain cells. There are many diseases that could cause brain atrophy such as trauma and stroke. Diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson's disease, senile dementia, and multiple sclerosis are also associated with cerebral atrophy. Treatment would be targeted at managing the underlying condition, not the cerebral atrophy itself.

Hope this answers your query.