(914) 220-1086What is Encephalomalacia?
Encephalomalacia, a serious form of brain damage, is a softening of brain tissue that is caused by an injury or inflammation. The cerebral softening sometimes occurs in one part of the brain and then spreads to adjacent areas. Because the brain changes as a result of the softening tissue, the functioning of other organs in the body may be affected. As a result, encephalomalacia can lead to other dysfunctions and disorders. The condition occurs in all age groups. However, it is often fatal in infants diagnosed with the disorder.
Symptoms of encephalamalacia can vary from mild to severe depending on the area of the brain affected and how much softening has occurred. A person’s age and overall health also affects how severely a person is affected by the disorder. Yet, people with encephalomalacia often experience extreme drowsiness and have difficulty with movement and coordination. They may also experience temporary or permanent blindness. People with the condition often have vertigo and have severe headaches and a feeling of pressure in the head.
What Causes Encephalomalacia?
There are a number of causes of encephalomalacia. One common cause is a cerebral infarction. Often referred to as a stroke, a cerebral infarction occurs when a blood clot or hemorrhage of one of the brain’s blood vessels blocks oxygen flow to brain tissue. As a result, cerebral softening may occur. Another cause of encephalomalacia is a traumatic brain injury, which is a violent blow or jolt to the brain or body that interrupts normal brain function. Such an occurrence can lead to softening brain tissue. In addition, various infections can also lead to inflammation and cerebral softening.
How is Encephalomalacia Treated?
Doctors usually detect and diagnose encephalomalacia by taking images of the brain with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computed tomography(CT) scan. There is no direct treatment or cure for encephalamalacia. However, doctors may attempt to treat the underlying cause of the condition, which cannot be reversed. In some cases, surgery may be performed to remove the part of the brain affected by the softening.
How Law Offices of Thomas L. Gallivan, PLLC can Help if Your Child was Diagnosed With Encephalomalacia
Law Offices of Thomas L. Gallivan, PLLC may be able to help if your child was diagnosed with encephalomalacia. We will consult your child’s medical records, including records before, during and after birth to determine the cause of your child’s condition. We will also discuss your child’s encephalomalacia with a pediatric neurologist. If your child’s injury was caused by medical malpractice or negligence, we will recover compensation from those responsible. Contact the Birth Injury Attorneys at the Law Offices of Thomas L. Gallivan, PLLC.
