What Are Brain Lesions And How Harmful Are They?

What are Brain Lesions?

 

 A brain lesion is damage or destruction to any part of the brain. It may be due to trauma or any other disease that can cause inflammation, malfunction, or destruction of brain cells or brain tissue. A lesion may be developed only in one part of the brain, or it may be widespread.

The initial damage may be so small that it may not produce any initial symptoms. However, as the condition progresses over time, it creates noticeable physical and mental changes.

 

What Causes Brain Lesions? 

 

• Aging.
• Family history of brain lesions.
• Vascular conditions.
• Trauma to the brain.
• Infections.
• Primary tumors or metastatic tumors
• Autoimmune diseases
• Exposure to radiation or certain chemicals
• Toxins, such as excessive amounts of alcohol or cigarette smoke, in the body.
• Poor diet

What are the different types of Brain Lesions? 

 

• Traumatic: gunshot wound to the brain
• Infectious: meningitis
• Malignant (cancerous): glioma
• Benign (non-cancerous): meningioma
• Vascular: stroke
• Genetic: neurofibromatosis
• Immune: multiple sclerosis
• Plaques (deposits of substances in brain tissue): Alzheimer's disease
• Brain cell death or malfunction: Parkinson's disease
• Ionizing radiation: radiation exposure leading to the death of healthy brain tissue

What are the Symptoms?

 

Depending on the type, size, and location of the lesion symptoms may change. Some of the common symptoms of brain lesion are:

• Headaches
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite
• Vision changes or eye pain
• Change in behavior and concentration
• Memory loss or confusion
• Seizures
• Fever
• Difficulty moving

How are Brain Lesions Diagnosed?

 

Most brain lesions are not diagnosed until after symptoms appear. Often a brain lesion is initially diagnosed by an internist or a neurologist. Expert neurosurgeons like Dr. Syam Sundar, help diagnose and offer treatment options for each patient depending on the severity of the condition.

The doctor will examine the patient's symptoms and medical history. During the physical examination the doctor may touch the patient's skin with hot, cold or vibrating objects, and also may pinch the patient to check for the feeling of pain, to find the location of the lesion. The doctor may recommend additional tests to assess the condition further, which include: 

• Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

  

 What are the Treatments?

 

Treatment for brain lesions varies in each case depending on the type of lesion, its location, and cause. Common approaches include: 

• Surgery to remove the lesions that are caused by a brain tumor.
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancerous lesions.
• Medication to fight infections, such as antibiotics or other antimicrobial drugs.
• Medication to calm the immune system or change the immune system's response. 

Can Brain Lesions be prevented?

 

Many brain lesions are neither preventable nor predictable. However, some guidelines for health maintenance may help prevent some types of brain lesions, such as:

• To quit smoking.
• To Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
• Always wear a helmet when participating in activities where the head is exposed to danger.
• To avoid radiation and environmental toxins.

Reviewed By: Dr Shyam Sundar K
Visit Us: www.chennaibrainandspine.com
Mail Us: shyamsundar_krishnan@yahoo.com
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