What is mild generalized atrophy?
Patient: Hello I just had a baby with full trissomy 18 and she was submited to a Transfontanellar ultrasound (is that the word in english?) that showed a mild generalized atrophy in the brain. What does that mean? Can she have an independent life? I imagine she ll have cognitive and motor problems becouse the syndrome that she has doenst have a good prognosis but with estimulation will she be able to do things by herself? Talk? walk? the douctor said, to her surprise, that she´ve seen worst... and kinda let us belive that that was really possible in her case. Thank you so much... Doctor: Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.  Regarding your concern, I would explain that mild generalized brain atrophy, means that there is a mild shrinking of the brain. This is usually related to low development or aging in older patients. But her development does not really depend on this finding. I would encourage you to try to talk and search for professional help , which can help improve her development (there are many professional institutions who deal with patients like her).   Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.