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CT Scan Shows Lacunar Infarcts, Basal Ganglia Calcification, Cerebral Atrophy. What Should We Do?
Question: My father is not feeling well since 05/06 months. Today we were suggested for CT Scan of his head. Consultant Rediologist had revealed in their report that:
1. Lacunar Infarcts Left Parietal Periventricular Region and Right Cerebral Penduncle.
2. Bilateral Basal Ganglia Calcification.
3. Senile Cerebral Atrophy.
Please suggest what we should do right now.
1. Lacunar Infarcts Left Parietal Periventricular Region and Right Cerebral Penduncle.
2. Bilateral Basal Ganglia Calcification.
3. Senile Cerebral Atrophy.
Please suggest what we should do right now.
Hello AAAAA
Thank you for contacting Healthcare Magic.
I have gone through the CT scan brain reports of your father. First of all, let me reassure you that these findings are not serious in nature and can be easily treated.
The first finding of lacunar infarcts means ischemia (lack of blood flow) to the brain, in short, small blood clots in brain. These are often due to risk factors such as high BP, blood sugar and cholesterol. You may get a check up for them, if not already done.
Treatment requires the use of aspirin tablets at a dose of 150 mg once daily. You can get it prescribed by your doctor. In addition, if any of the risk factors for the blood clots are identified, they would also require treatment.
The second finding of basal ganglia calcification is a normal finding and is seen in upto 10% of people normally. However, in a small group of people, it may be due to abnormal calcium levels.
The third finding of senile cerebral atrophy is also a normal finding. It means mild shrinkage of brain, which normally occurs as one grows older. At 77, one can expect mild shrinkage of brain. So, if your father's memory is normal, there is no need to worry in this regard.
I hope it clarifies. Please get back if you want any more clarifications.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
Thank you for contacting Healthcare Magic.
I have gone through the CT scan brain reports of your father. First of all, let me reassure you that these findings are not serious in nature and can be easily treated.
The first finding of lacunar infarcts means ischemia (lack of blood flow) to the brain, in short, small blood clots in brain. These are often due to risk factors such as high BP, blood sugar and cholesterol. You may get a check up for them, if not already done.
Treatment requires the use of aspirin tablets at a dose of 150 mg once daily. You can get it prescribed by your doctor. In addition, if any of the risk factors for the blood clots are identified, they would also require treatment.
The second finding of basal ganglia calcification is a normal finding and is seen in upto 10% of people normally. However, in a small group of people, it may be due to abnormal calcium levels.
The third finding of senile cerebral atrophy is also a normal finding. It means mild shrinkage of brain, which normally occurs as one grows older. At 77, one can expect mild shrinkage of brain. So, if your father's memory is normal, there is no need to worry in this regard.
I hope it clarifies. Please get back if you want any more clarifications.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks a lot for your advice. My father memory was very good one year back but now it has been detoriated and specially in last 06 months drastically. Please suggest what to do?
Hi,
Thank you for getting back.
Deterioration in memory could be a sign of early dementia (a disease where memory and other brain functions deteriorate). You need to get him examined by a neurologist to ascertain, if he has dementia.
If dementia is diagnosed, some further tests would be required to find out the cause of dementia. These include blood tests (such as vitamin B12 level, thyroid profile) and EEG, etc.
There are various medications available for treating dementia such as memantine, rivastigmine, donepezil, piracetam, etc. Your neurologist can advise on the need for these medicaitons.
Please get back if you have any more queries.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
Thank you for getting back.
Deterioration in memory could be a sign of early dementia (a disease where memory and other brain functions deteriorate). You need to get him examined by a neurologist to ascertain, if he has dementia.
If dementia is diagnosed, some further tests would be required to find out the cause of dementia. These include blood tests (such as vitamin B12 level, thyroid profile) and EEG, etc.
There are various medications available for treating dementia such as memantine, rivastigmine, donepezil, piracetam, etc. Your neurologist can advise on the need for these medicaitons.
Please get back if you have any more queries.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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