The term brain abnormalities, refers to any atypical feature in brain functioning, structure or biochemical levels. The etiologies of abnormalities differ widely, from genetic, parinatal compactions, developmental and traumatic disorders, toxins and diseases of the mother and/or child.
Sometimes it's a genetic problem. In other cases, exposure to certain medicines, infections, or radiation during pregnancy interferes with brain development. Parts of the brain may be missing, abnormally small or large, or not fully developed. Treatment depends upon the problem.
Abnormal results may be due to: Abnormal blood vessels in the brain (arteriovenous malformations of the head) Tumor of the nerve that connects the ear to the brain (acoustic neuroma) Bleeding in or around the brain.
The symptoms of brain diseases vary widely, depending on the specific problem. In some cases, damage is permanent. In other cases, treatments such as surgery, medicines, or therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech therapies, may cure the disease or improve the symptoms.
Communication, such as trouble talking, reading, writing, and explaining feelings or thoughts. Behavior, including difficulty with social situations, relationships, self-control, and aggression. Emotions, including depression, anxiety, mood swings, and irritability.
Results: Eighty-two percent of the MRI results were normal. Of the 18% demonstrating incidental abnormal findings, 15.1% required no referral; 1.8%, routine referral; 1.1%, urgent referral; and 0%, immediate referral.
Some of the most common are epilepsy, Alzheimer's and other dementias, strokes, migraine and other headaches, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, neurological infections, brain tumors, traumatic conditions of the nervous system such as head injuries and disorders caused by malnutrition.
Some genetic brain disorders are due to random gene mutations or mutations caused by environmental exposure, such as cigarette smoke. Other disorders are inherited, which means that a mutated gene or group of genes is passed down through a family.
Blood tests can: check your general health, including how well your liver and kidneys are working. check numbers of blood cells. help diagnose certain brain tumours such as pituitary gland, pineal region and germ cell tumours.
A CT of the brain may be performed to assess the brain for tumors and other lesions, injuries, intracranial bleeding, structural anomalies (e.g., hydrocephalus , infections, brain function or other conditions), particularly when another type of examination (e.g., X-rays or a physical exam) are inconclusive.
These newer, specialized types of MRI scans can now look and assess damage to the brains structure, or measure brain function to detect changes in the brains structure and function due to TBI and concussions.
In a large series of research volunteers, incidental findings were found in roughly 4% of brain MRIs. The most common type of incidental finding was vascular disease followed by neoplastic and congenital lesions.
White matter disease is commonly detected on brain MRI of aging individuals as white matter hyperintensities (WMH), or 'leukoaraiosis.” Over the years it has become increasingly clear that the presence and extent of WMH is a radiographic marker of small cerebral vessel disease and an important predictor of the life- ...
It has been noted that during times of chronic stress, the myelin sheaths that make up white matter become overproduced, while less gray matter is produced. When this happens, there can be an imbalance in gray and white matter. In some cases, this results in permanent changes to the brain's structure.
Psychological stress is linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) severity (e.g., to a heightened risk of brain lesion development). The exact mechanisms underlying this association are unknown.
Long-term increases in cortisol also can damage the brain's prefrontal cortex, which is essential for focused attention and executive function (cognitive processes that allow you to plan, organize, solve problems, engage in flexible thinking and control your impulses).