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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Encephalomalacia Anteriorly In Inferior Aspect Of Both Frontal Lobes Mean?

I am awaiting a GP appointment to interpret the following MRI scan results, but would appreciate a translation/interpretation if possible; encephalomalacia anteriorly in the inferior aspect of both frontal lobes adjacent to the midline with resultant expansion of the overlying csf space and some high signal change in the underlying subcortial white matter. there is no mass effect or evidence of restricted diffusion. appearance elsewhere are unremarkable. presumably these are a sequelae of the previous head injury and results of bilateral frontal contusions. The previous head injury referred to was over 40yrs ago and has had no impact (that I am aware of! lol) on my mental or physical functioning.
Wed, 28 Jan 2015
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

You might be one of the lucky few who had a serious head injury at a younger age and have recovered without any residual symptoms. Encephalomalacia means softening of the brain. This happens when there is injury to the brain and absent blood supply and consequently resulting in loss of brain matter and cerebrospinal fluid occupies the area after the shrinkage of that part of the brain. Since it has happened more than 40 years ago and you might have been much younger at that time, the brain circuits that were damaged were realigned and your affected brain was compensated for its loss in functions. At a young age the brain learns to cope up with its limitations in a better way.

This is called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity allows the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or to changes in their environment. Therefore you have been normal throughout your life.
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What Does Encephalomalacia Anteriorly In Inferior Aspect Of Both Frontal Lobes Mean?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. You might be one of the lucky few who had a serious head injury at a younger age and have recovered without any residual symptoms. Encephalomalacia means softening of the brain. This happens when there is injury to the brain and absent blood supply and consequently resulting in loss of brain matter and cerebrospinal fluid occupies the area after the shrinkage of that part of the brain. Since it has happened more than 40 years ago and you might have been much younger at that time, the brain circuits that were damaged were realigned and your affected brain was compensated for its loss in functions. At a young age the brain learns to cope up with its limitations in a better way. This is called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity allows the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or to changes in their environment. Therefore you have been normal throughout your life.