What does diffuse cerebral atrophy in MRI suggest?

Question

Hello doctor,

My father-in-law is 60 years old. When we take an MRI of the brain, we notice diffuse cerebral atrophy.

Slight T2 flair hyperintensity with restricted diffusion was noted in the body of the corpus callosum on the left side, likely acute infarct.

Chronic infarcts were noted in bilateral lentiform nuclei, corona radiata, right centrum semiovale, bilateral thalami, pons and left cerebellar hemisphere.

Small T2/flair hyperintensities with no restricted diffusion were noted in bilateral frontoparietal periventricular and deep white matter.

Small vessel ischemic changes.

He is on BP medicines. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Sorry to hear about your grandfather’s issue. I read the MRI report. It seems he suffered from an acute ischemic stroke. Acute stroke is always a neurological emergency and must always be taken up in a healthcare setting. The MRI also shows small vessel ischemic changes and chronic lacunar infarcts, which means that he has a hypertension risk factor. Since this stroke is caused by a blockage of a small artery of the brain, luckily, there is nothing to worry about complications.

You will have to start tablet Ecosprin 150 mg once daily, tablet Plavix 75 mg once daily, tablet Atorvastatin 40 mg at night, and along with those medications to control his blood pressure. I would also like to know his blood sugar levels.

Please complete his 2D echo and carotid Doppler and let me know the reports. I completely understand that you will not wish to take your grandfather to a hospital because of the pandemic. So, call the radiology centre for the carotid Doppler and 2D echo. Let me know the reports, and I can guide you further. Please engage with a physiotherapist if needed.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi.

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Are you talking about your father-in-law or yourself?
Usually, for cervical pain, painkillers and physiotherapy are all that are required.
Please do good neck exercises to relieve the degenerative spinal issue in the neck.
Is there anything else that I can address for you?
Please let me know. How is your father doing?

Thank you.