Amyloidosis - cerebral; CAA

There is no known effective treatment. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. In some cases, rehabilitation is needed for weakness or clumsiness. This can include physical, occupational, or speech therapy.

Occasionally, some patients may benefit from medications that help improve memory, such as those used to treat Alzheimer's disease.

Seizures, sometimes called “amyloid spells,” may be treated with anticonvulsants such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and carbamazepine (Tegretol).

The disorder slowly gets worse but varies from person to person.

• Dementia
• Hydrocephalus (rarely)
• Seizures
• Repeated episodes of bleeding in the brain

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have a sudden loss of movement, sensation, vision, or speech.

Images

Amyloidosis on the fingers

Arteries of the brain

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Review Date: 08/27/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)