Cerebral Atrophy: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of cerebral atrophy?

Symptoms of cerebral atrophy can be generalized (affecting the whole brain) or localized (affecting only one part of the brain or one function). Generalized symptoms include symptoms of dementia, such as problems with memory or changes in personality. Localized symptoms include seizures and problems with speech, vision or movement.

Generalized symptoms of cerebral atrophy

Generalized symptoms of cerebral atrophy arise from loss of brain cells throughout the brain. You may experience cerebral atrophy symptoms daily or just once in a while. At times any of these symptoms can be severe:

• Changes in mood, personality or behavior
• Difficulty with judgment or abstract thinking
• Difficulty with memory, thinking, talking, comprehension, writing or reading
• Disorientation
• Learning impairments

Localized symptoms of cerebral atrophy

If cerebral atrophy arises from loss of brain cells in a specific area of the brain, you may have localized symptoms including:

• Blurred or double vision
• Difficulty producing or understanding speech (aphasia)
• Impaired balance and coordination
• Localized weakness, loss of sensation, or paralysis

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, cerebral atrophy can be life threatening. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:

• Being a danger to oneself or others, including behavior that is threatening, irrational or suicidal
• Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness
• Change in mental status or sudden behavior change, such as confusion, delirium, lethargy, hallucinations and delusions
• Seizure
• Sudden change in vision, loss of vision, or eye pain