Brain Damage
In some cases, cerebral atrophy occurs due to sudden brain damage, such as a:
- Stroke [1]
- Head trauma
- Brain infection (encephalitis)
- Brain tumor
These factors are different from degenerative neurological disease because they involve an episode and not a progression of damage. Recurrent head trauma can lead to different episodes of brain damage, resulting in chronic cerebral atrophy and a disease described as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Consistent strokes can result in several areas of atrophy, especially with behavioral changes and vascular dementia. In some cases, multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause areas of brain atrophy as well. After a part of the brain becomes damaged, the region may be exposed to inflammation and swelling. Eventually, this can lead to necrosis of the affected brain cells.
Cerebral palsy (CP), a congenital condition, may also be linked with cerebral atrophy, but brain atrophy is not always present in CP. It is also possible for cerebral atrophy to be present at birth.