Glial cells are the support and insulating cells for neurons (which conduct electrical impulses in the central nervous system). Gliosis is when the body creates more or larger glial cells in reaction to some injury to the brain or spinal cord. Any injury (such as physical trauma) or inflammatory process (such as an autoimmune condition) of the central nervous system can cause gliosis; however, the role of the process is unknown.
The brain and spinal cord are covered by three protective membrane-linings called meninges. The arachnoid membrane, named for its spider web-like appearance, is the thin middle layer. Blood and fluid are drained from the brain through sinuses. The superior sagittal sinus runs midline in the brain and is the largest dural venous sinus (a group of blood channels that drains blood from the brain).Arachnoid granulations are projections of the arachnoid membrane (i.e. villi) into the dural sinuses. Arachnoid granulations act as one-way valves, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to pass from the subarachnoid space into the venous (blood) circulation. They increase in size and number with age and are seen in approximately two-thirds of the population.
A lacunar stroke (infarct) is when blood flow going to the small arteries deep inside the brain become blocked. The major risk factor for getting lacunar strokes is chronic high blood pressure, which can cause the small arteries to narrow over time; other modifiable risk factors include poor cholesterol levels, diabetes and smoking.If there is a new stroke, think “FAST” - Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time is of the essence - call 911. Treatment is focused on restoring blood flow to the brain.
A glioma is an abnormal growth of cells (tumor) that forms from glial cells found in the brain and spinal cord. Glial cells provide the structural backbone of the brain and support the function of neurons (nerve cells). Brain tumors are classified as primary, those that arise in the brain, or secondary, those that have spread to the brain from another part of the body. In the United States, about 24,000 people per year are diagnosed with a primary brain tumor. Most primary brain tumors in adults have no clear risk factors identified. Brain tumors can produce symptoms due to local brain invasion, compression of healthy brain structures and by increasing pressure within the brain (increased intracranial pressure). Symptoms vary based on what parts of the brain are involved.
Gyri are ridges on the surface of the brain. There is a mass effect or compressing/pushing of the adjacent gyri from the arachnoid cyst mentioned above.Potential Cancer
Brain tissue tends to shrink (atrophy) at the rate of about 0.2% per year from the age of 30 and then accelerates after the age of 60, due to genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Volume loss which is out of proportion to age may represent a pathologic process or risk factor for future decline in cognition. There are currently no established guidelines for investigating or monitoring this condition; however, you could consider repeat MRIs to monitor progression or stability of this finding.
