What it means
Atrophy is shrinkage. An organ, a muscle or part of the brain has lost some of its tissue. It looks smaller or thinner than expected, and fat sometimes fills the space. It happens slowly with normal aging. It can also follow lack of use, a reduced blood supply, nerve damage or long-lasting inflammation. Volume loss means the same thing.
When it matters
Mild atrophy that fits your age is common and often causes no symptoms, for example in the brain or pancreas of older adults. Doctors look more closely when it is more than expected for age, affects only one side, or matches symptoms such as memory problems or weakness. Comparing with older scans shows whether it is changing. Further tests depend on the organ involved.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is the atrophy normal for my age, or more than expected?
- What might have caused it in this organ or muscle?
- Has it changed compared with my older scans?
