Cerebral softening
Cerebral Softening
Cerebral softening (pronunciation: /səˈriːbrəl ˈsɒftənɪŋ/), also known as encephalomalacia (pronunciation: /ɛnˌsɛfəloʊməˈleɪʃiə/), is a localized softening of the substance of the brain, due to bleeding or inflammation. Three types are distinguished, red, yellow and white softening.
Etymology
The term "cerebral" is derived from the Latin word cerebrum which means brain, and "softening" from the Old English softnian, meaning to become less firm. The term "encephalomalacia" is derived from the Greek words enkephalos (brain) and malakia (softness).
Red Softening
Red softening is indicative of a recent cerebrovascular accident (CVA), also known as a stroke. It is characterized by the presence of red blood cells in the affected area of the brain.
Yellow Softening
Yellow softening occurs in areas of the brain where there has been hemorrhage followed by disintegration of the nervous tissue, causing it to become yellow.
White Softening
White softening is the result of ischemia or lack of blood flow to the brain, leading to necrosis or tissue death.
Related Terms
- Cerebrovascular accident: Also known as a stroke, it is a medical condition in which poor blood flow to the brain results in cell death.
- Ischemia: A restriction in blood supply to tissues, causing a shortage of oxygen and glucose needed for cellular metabolism.
- Necrosis: The death of cells or tissues from severe injury or disease, especially in a localized area of the body.
- Hemorrhage: An escape of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, especially when profuse.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cerebral softening
- Wikipedia's article - Cerebral softening
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