What Is Encephalomalacic Change & Headaches?

Headaches are a common ailment for many diseases and injuries and can range from a minor annoyance to debilitating. One cause of headaches is the softening of the brain called encephalomalacia.

Definition

• Encephalomaalcic change is the softening of brain tissues most commonly caused by hemorrhaging and inflammation. It can be degenerative and often described by that color that shows up in CT scans: white, red and yellow.

Effects

• Since encephalomalacic change is often associated with inflammation and hemorrhaging, headaches are also generally experienced with it as well. Since the brain has softened, it is more susceptible to swelling, which causes headaches.

Warning

• Softness and swelling of the brain can be fatal if gone untreated. If you have regular headaches, it is good idea to see a doctor to make sure you don't have a neurologic problem. If there are encephalomalacic changes in the brain, doctors may be able to treat the condition.