What Is The Prognosis For Cerebral Parenchymal Atrophy?

Posted on Thu, 5 Oct 2017

Question: Hi,
My brother is 57 years. He has been suffering from severe bipolar for over 25 years. Last year he had to be admitted in a maniac state in a mental hospital. Ever since, he has lost weight from 84 Kg to 50 Kg. After doing several tests, including that for T.B he has been recently diagnosed Cerebral Parenchymal Atrophy. What does it mean for him in the coming days , given his severe mental condition? Is there anything that I can do for this? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Both things have little connestion

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

First of all I like to inform you that diffuse cerebral atrophy is different from manic disorder. Although bipolar disorder causes some degree of cerebral shrinking but it rarely causes severe cerebral atrophy.

Presence of Cerebral Parenchymal Atrophy with significant weight loss indicates that we need to investigate further. I am not sure what tests are done till date but I think it is essential to get tested for syphilis and HIV in addition to other neuro-degenerative disorders.

I request you to post details of all the tests along with current symptoms which he is experiencing. It will be appropriate if you can narrate the current symptoms in chronological order of onset.

Regarding the other part of questions I will prefer to answer after getting reply from you as this will help me to understand the problem in more detailed manner.

I look forward to assist you further.
Thanks and regards.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar