Cerebellum Atrophy Via Inflammation Causing Problems

Posted by SusanEllen66 @SusanEllen66, Dec 1, 2023

Two years ago I was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment. The MRI showed moderate atrophy of the Cerebellum. My balance (gait) is bad. I now use a cane or walker. I’ve become apathetic about most things.
Today I started a second round of brain testing. I had an MRI & MRA this afternoon.
The possibility that I have vascular dementia is high because I have several autoimmune diseases which inflame my arteries.

Anyone else have atrophy in the brain because of inflammation from an autoimmune disease?

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irr4et | @irr4et | Dec 9, 2023

I have a ? How would a neurologist determine if there is something wrong with the thalamus?

mcgh1 | @mcgh1 | Dec 10, 2023

In reply to @irr4et "I do have a good neurologist. I’ve been thinking it’s my scalp too. My scalp is..." + (show)

Have you been tested for Arnold Chiari Malformation?

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Dec 10, 2023

In reply to @irr4et "I do have a good neurologist. I’ve been thinking it’s my scalp too. My scalp is..." + (show)

@irr4et Thank you for letting me know that my explanation of the brain was helpful to you. When you do see your neurologist I hope you will also ask about the pains and electric-like shocks you feel in your scalp. I suggest you come prepared with a list of questions. The cranial nerves provide sensation (and movement) to your face, mouth, neck, and head so you can ask the neurologist about the cranial nerves too. The cranial nerves travel on different pathways than the thalamus which is deep within the brain, underneath the cerebral cortex.

I hope that the MRI will give you some information that the neurologist can interpret for you. And make some recommendations that will be helpful to you.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Dec 10, 2023

In reply to @irr4et "I have a ? How would a neurologist determine if there is something wrong with the..." + (show)

@irr4et I’m not a neurologist but here is what I think could happen. The MRI could show something. That’s why physicians order scans.

When the neurologist does a physical exam in the office they are evaluating your nervous system. Your symptoms that you described here and what you describe to the neurologist, as well as the physical exam that the neurologist does will help answer questions about what parts of the nervous system could be involved with your symptoms. The brain is so very complicated and the thalamus and its pathways are only one piece of a puzzle.

Does that help answer your question?