Brain calcifications not necessarily a concern

Ask Dr. Keith Roach M.D

Brain calcifications not necessarily a concern

DEAR DR. ROACH: I had an MRA scan, and it was noted that I have calcifications in my cerebellum, suggesting dystrophic calcifications. Is this hereditary? How do you know you have it? — D.S.

ANSWER: Calcifications are deposits of calcium buildup, and can occur in virtually any tissue of the body. In some areas they are so common as to be considered normal. For example, the pineal gland normally calcifies as we age.

An MRAscan (magnetic resonance angiogram) is a magnetic scan that looks at the circulation. Due to more people getting MRA and MRI scans, we know a little bit more about brain calcifications, and it seems that in most cases in older individuals, calcifications are not likely to be associated with neurologic problems. However, calcifications also can be seen in places of brain injury, such as stroke. They also may be seen in congenital abnormalities, infections and tumors. Dystrophic calcifications are most commonly seen in areas of brain injury such as trauma, surgery, stroke and radiation treatment. The brain has a strong ability to adapt to injury, though it's not perfect.

Nothing needs to be done for the calcifications beyond what might be appropriate medical treatment for the findings on your MRA scan. For example, if there are blockages in the arteries, you may benefit from managing your blood pressure and cholesterol.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am male and 66, and I have battled an acne problem for over 50 years. Dermatologists have prescribed pills and creams, but these were never totally successful. I no longer take any medications. I have always drunk a lot of water because I heard it was good for your skin. Recently I have doubled my water intake, and my acne problem has almost totally cleared up. Is this large consumption of water helping? Is it good for a person? -J.K.

ANSWER: I found many anecdotes of people finding their acne improved with increased water intake, but no scientific studies showing that it is effective. So that brings me to your next question: Is drinking large amounts of water good for you? The answer depends on how much water is considered 'a large consumption.'

While your body is capable of maintaining correct water balance across a very wide range of water intake, a modest amount, one to two liters (that includes water in food), is all you are likely to need. The exceptions would be if you are in a very dry environment or if you are losing excess amounts of water through sweating or because you are taking a medication that requires water intake.

To be fair, water intake up to very high amounts (40 liters per day) can be handled by a person with normal kidneys and normal heart function, unless the person is taking a medication that affects salt and water metabolism, such as a diuretic, or has an abnormality with anti-diuretic hormone. In my world, as an internal medicine doctor, I see far more problems with water excess than with inadequate water intake.

In your case, the time course you present is strong evidence that the extra water helped your acne. But it also is possible it was something else. Testosterone levels tend to decrease normally in men in their 60s, and that may be responsible for the improvement in your acne. *** Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cor nell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall. com.