Calcium deposit in brain is a condition that we familiarize only when it is discovered on X-ray or other imaging strategies. Some people likewise call it calcification in brain, calcinosis or Fahr’s syndrome.
With whatever name we call, the cause for calcium deposit in brain stays the same. It is a condition which is marked with irregular build-up and deposition of the mineral calcium in the brain tissue.
- Calcium can get deposited in any part of the brain. The mineral gets deposited when there is too much of calcium or phosphorus flowing in the blood.
- Second of all, calcium can get deposited in case of inflammation or damage to the brain tissue. Both genders are similarly impacted. Medically, calcium deposits can be considerable only when they cause problems in typical functioning of brain.
Calcium Deposits in the Brain Symptoms
Calcification can take place in any part of the brain. The symptoms may depend upon the size of calcified brain tissue.
If the size is small, the symptoms might be mild to moderate. If the size is big, the symptoms might be severe as the area of brain cell damage is large. Following are the symptoms that can be found:
- Headache. Dizziness. Loss of memory.
- Change in psychological function.
- Patient discovers problem in balancing. Clumsiness. Hand tremblings. Spasmodic motions of hands and feet. Patient may discover problem on reading and writing.
- Blurring of vision, reduced vision.
- Can not walk correctly. Seems like he will drop.
- Loss of bladder and bowel control. This happens in severe cases.
- One side of body might feel numb and paralyzed.
- Weakness of muscles in the arms, face, and legs.
- Blank facial expressions.
- Body becomes rigid and stiff. The neck in specific ends up being stiff.
What Causes Calcium Deposits in the Brain?
Really calcification can happen in any part of the body. People who practice martial arts such as karate prefer to have calcium deposits in knuckles.
They make their knuckles strong by punching them on hard surface area. Inflammation and micro damage to the finger bones and knuckles with constant punching add additional calcium to the bones makings their fist hard and strong.
Rest people however would not like such calcification, particularly when the subject connects to brain. As said before, brain calcification can happen as a result of either metastatic calcification or after the brain tissue is damaged or swollen.
In metastatic calcification, there is excess of calcium and phosphorus flowing in the blood which eventually gets deposited in various organs of the body, brain being the one.
Tuberculosis is common disease in establishing countries. Some people may suffer from tuberculoma (recovered sore of brain tuberculosis), a benign growth in the brain caused due to tuberculosis bacteria. Fever, headache, seizures, vomiting and malaise, neck rigidity and disorientation are common in brain tuberculosis.
Neurocysticercosis is another inflammatory lesion which can lead to deposition of calcium in the brain. It is a parasitic infection caused due to pork tape worm (Taenia solium). The disease is spread out due to eating polluted food.
The egg of tapeworm participates in the body by eating polluted food, especially meat, vegetables and fruits. It may reach in the brain through blood flow. In brain it forms a cyst. The cyst after a period of treatment gets calcified.
Toxoplasmosis is another parasitic infection caused by toxoplasma gondii which can cause calcification in brain. The parasite exists in feces of cats. Pregnant women are more prone to its infection. In a few of them it may be a cause for reoccurring abortion.
Metabolic problems in the body can also cause deposition of calcium in the brain.
Aneurysm in brain artery may cause calcification in the brain. In aneurysm the artery ends up being weak at certain point and ends up being expanded. This results in calcium deposition in it.
Inning accordance with the Mayo Clinic, meningiomas are tumors that happen on the meninges (the external lining) of the brain. Many meningiomas are benign, implying that they are not cancerous; nevertheless, on unusual occasions they can be deadly (malignant). Calcification or calcium deposits sometimes occur on these tumors, however are most likely to be seen on non-cancerous tumors instead of cancerous ones.
Calcium Deposits in Brain Treatment Options
For the most parts, brain calcification treatment depends on the underlying cause. Imaging methods such as X-ray, CT scan and MRI of brain are of prime diagnostic worth. The doctor thinks about all aspects such as physical symptoms and signs, diagnostic tests and history prior to thinking about the treatment strategy.
Most of the times, when the calcium deposits are small, treatment is started with medications. Anticoagulants and anti inflammatory medications, anti parasitic, antiepileptic medications are offered inning accordance with the symptoms.
If deposits are large and compress brain to fantastic degree, the doctor might think about to excise and remove the calcified area.
Good luck! Have a nice weekend!
