Authored by Dr Harsh Sharma, Edited and Peer Reviewed by Dr. Pooja Sharma

Published July 26, 2024, Last updated August 23, 2024

Cerebral Atrophy is the loss of brain cells or neurons and the connections between neurons, called synapses. The following homeopathic medicines for cerebral atrophy are very effective in stopping the decline.

Baryta Carb

Phosphorus

Conium

Zincum Met

Alumina

Before we come to the role and selection of these medicines in each individual patient, let us understand in detail what is brain atrophy, its causes and symptoms.

What is Cerebral Atrophy or Brain Atrophy?

As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, cerebral atrophy or brain atrophy is the loss of neurons or the synapses of the brain. The loss of these neurons and synapses results in shrinking of the brain. A little bit of shrinking is normal with advancing age in all humans but an increase in this shrinkage can lead to various troubles. As a result, the brain shrinks in size. That is why we call it cerebral atrophy or brain atrophy. This leads to loss of function of the brain. It may mean trouble with memory or cognition or loss of muscular control.

Brain atrophy or cerebral atrophy is of two types-

Focal atrophy – In this type of atrophy, specific part of brain atrophies and consequently, specific functions are affected.

Generalised atrophy – In generalized atrophy, whole of the brain gets affected. Consequently, all the functions of brain get affected to some extent.

What are the causes of Cerebral Atrophy?

There may be many causes of cerebral atrophy, some of the prominent ones being as under-

1. Trauma or injury to the brain can cause cerebral atrophy. It may due to Traumatic Brain Injury ( TBI) or brain stroke.

2. Infections such as Encephalitis or Neurosyphilis or HIV can also lead to cerebral atrophy.

3. Disease like Multiple Sclerosis may cause it in some cases.

4. Cerebral Palsy can also lead to brain atrophy.

5. Alzheimer’s disease can also be a reason for the onset of cerebral atrophy.

 What are the symptoms of Cerebral Atrophy or Brain Atrophy?

The symptoms of brain atrophy or cerebral atrophy vary according to the area of the brain involved or damaged. It can affect one particular region of the brain or be more generalized in nature. Therefore, the symptoms depend upon the area of involvement. The common symptoms of cerebral atrophy or brain atrophy are as under –

Aphasia – Inability to speak properly is a common symptom of cerebral atrophy. The power of speech may decline slowly and may manifest in many ways. Slowing down of speech is present in some cases, while in other cases the ability to speak is severely affected.

Movements – It also affects the ability to write, grip things or move.

Ability to understand – Brain atrophy may even affect the ability to understand things.

Memory – One tends to become forgetful.

Seizures – Another common symptom of cerebral atrophy is the onset of seizures.

Drooling and clenching of teeth – Saliva may drool from the mouth. One often sees clenching of teeth too.

Dementia – A common symptom of cerebral atrophy is dementia. It has its own sent of symptoms like difficulty in coordination, movements, memory loss, slowing down of motion and thought processes.

Homeopathic Treatment of Cerebral Atrophy

While it may not be possible to reverse cerebral atrophy, Homeopathic medicines are effective in arresting the decline of the patient and his or her normal functions. The brain cells or synapses that are once lost may be difficult to revive again. At the same time, it is desirable to treat the condition and allow the patient to lead an independent life.

5 Best Homeopathic medicines for Cerebral Atrophy or Brain Atrophy

Here are the 5 best homeopathic medicines that have given good results in the treatment of cerebral atrophy. One should not feel restricted to this small list if the symptoms of the patient demand so. The basis of homeopathic prescribing is the matching of symptoms of the patient to that of the medicine. That is the one and only fundamental criterion and it is the only one which helps in relieving the patient of the disease.

1. Baryta Carb – One of the best homeopathic medicines for brain atrophy in old age

2. Phosphorus – One of the best homeopathic medicines for cerebral atrophy in tall, slender people

3. Conium – One of the best homeopathic remedies for cerebral atrophy with vertigo

4. Zincum Met – One of the best homeopathic medicines for brain atrophy with fidgety feet

5. Alumina – One of the best homeopathic remedies for cerebral atrophy with constipation

Here, I am giving a few key pointers to the medicines which help in selecting the right medicine for each patient. Writing all details of each medicine may not be possible here but one can study it in detail if the pointers in these medicines show some resemblance to the symptoms of the patient.

1. Baryta Carb – One of the best homeopathic medicines for brain atrophy in old age

When degenerative changes begin in the old age, Baryta Carb is one of the best homeopathic medicines for cerebral atrophy. There is confusion and loss of memory. Lack of confidence starts becoming evident. The patient seems weary and weak. He wants to sit or lean or lie down all the time. At the same time, he does not want to meet anyone, specially strangers or new people.

2. Phosphorus – One of the best homeopathic remedies for cerebral atrophy in tall, slender people

When cerebral atrophy occurs in people who have been thin, tall and slender throughout their life, Phosphorus is one of the best homeopathic medicines for brain atrophy. The patient is narrow chested and has thin, transparent skin. Increase in thirst and that too for ice cold water is another strong indication of this medicine. The patient remains in low spirits. Memory remains weak.

3. Conium – One of the best homeopathic remedies for cerebral atrophy with vertigo

When vertigo is a prominent concomitant, Conium is one of the best homeopathic remedies for cerebral atrophy. There is vertigo when lying down in bed or turning in bed or turning head sidewise. At times, the vertigo is so much that even turning eyes or looking sideways triggers the vertigo. There is ascending weakness or paralysis where the lower limbs start giving way first and then it spreads to the upper limbs and other parts of the body.

4. Zincum Met – One of the best homeopathic medicines for brain atrophy with fidgety feet

When there is constant movement of the feet, Zincum Met is one of the best homeopathic medicines for brain atrophy. There may be convulsions and trembling. Brain fag and weakness are also prominent. There is aversion to work or even to talk. The patient is sensitive to noise and cannot tolerate noise of any sort.

5. Alumina – One of the best homeopathic remedies for cerebral atrophy with constipation

When constipation is a prominent symptom, Alumina is one of the best homeopathic remedies for cerebral atrophy. It is an important medicine for constipation alone also and an equally important medicine for paralytic states too. Constipation is such that there is no desire to clear his bowels. The mind seems to be in a hurry at all times. He feels that time is passing too slowly.