From the Research
Yes, calcium can build up in your brain, a condition known as brain calcification or cerebral calcification, which can lead to neurological symptoms such as seizures, movement disorders, and cognitive impairment. This condition occurs when calcium deposits form in brain tissue and can happen in various brain regions, including the basal ganglia, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. Brain calcifications may result from aging, infections, genetic disorders like Fahr's disease, metabolic disorders, or as a response to brain injury or inflammation. Some calcifications are incidental findings on brain scans and cause no symptoms, while others can lead to neurological problems depending on their location and extent.
Causes and Symptoms
- Brain calcifications can be caused by various factors, including aging, infections, and genetic disorders
- Symptoms can range from seizures, movement disorders, cognitive impairment, or psychiatric symptoms depending on the location and extent of the calcifications
- Calcium regulation in the brain is tightly controlled by the blood-brain barrier, and disruptions to this system can contribute to abnormal calcium deposition
Treatment and Management
- If brain calcifications are discovered, medical evaluation is important to determine the underlying cause and whether treatment is needed
- Some causes are treatable, while others may require symptom management
- Treatment options may include medications such as bisphosphonates, which can help reduce calcium levels and alleviate symptoms, as shown in a study published in the Journal of the neurological sciences 1
Key Points
- Brain calcifications can have significant effects on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment
- Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between brain calcifications and neurological disorders, as well as the effectiveness of different treatment options
- A study published in the Journal of the neurological sciences found that treatment with disodium etidronate, a bisphosphonate, can improve symptoms in patients with brain calcifications 1