Are We Losing (Brain Cells)?

With every result of MRI discussions that I have with my physician, I continue to hear the term “Brain Atrophy.” But, I've never really discussed what this meant, in part, due to us speaking about the new or enlargement of lesions present since the previous test occurred. Being a nurse, I knew what the term meant which is: the decreasing size of the brain or wasting away of brain cells, or the connection between brain cells have been damaged. It is also known as Cerebral Atrophy. It is normally seen with aging, but it is seen is greater amounts in people with different disease/disorders such stroke, neurological diseases such as MS , people who have seizures, dementia, Alzheimer’s, brain infections and injuries, Diabetes 2, Cachexia, to name a few. Brain Atrophy can be seen on one or both sides of the brain or can be localized. http://www.ez9articles.appspot.com/article/the-erysipelas-is-a-skin-infection

There is no known cure but treatment is given by what symptoms that are present; such if it is caused by an infection then an antibiotic is given. Symptoms vary with location and degree of the atrophy; memory loss, visual disturbances, speech difficulties, learning impairments, writing difficulties, personality changes, mood disorders, generalized weakness and balance issues, eye pain, seizures, reading and comprehension disorders. Symptoms can lead to life threatening issues which would require emergency care. What Is Interesting to me. What I found interesting, a study has shown that many people who have shown Brain or Cerebral Atrophy present on a film have gone on to be diagnosed with RRMS later on; meaning it is almost a precursor of MS. Having said that doesn’t mean everyone has been diagnosed with it, but several were. It is responsible and seen with increased symptoms of MS though. It could be the cause for the worsening problems experienced in place of new lesions being formed. Tips to ask your physician? http://www.myhotarticles.us/article/clean-skin-abscess-in-and-around-it-with-gauze
So with the next MRI that you have, ask your physician about how much atrophy is showing on your films and how much it has progressed since the beginning of your diagnosis. It may surprise you just how many of your symptoms come from this condition. And you will feel empowered by having done a bit more homework on Multiple Sclerosis.http://www.euarticles.net/article/clean-skin-abscess-in-and-around-it-with-gauze