Encephalmalasia

[catt5689]

Hello.  My neice just has a CT scan and we were told that she has encelphalmalasia on her left side of her brain.  She has been mostly unresponsive for about 3-4 weeks. She does open her left eye and can sometimes follow a mirror or someones finger.  Sometimes she will move her toes on when asked. She does move her arms and legs.  SHe in not on a venelator.  Does anyone have any advice or can tell me more about encephalmalasia?  Thanks for any help!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Depending on the extent of damage, partial or full recovery of body functions is possible. Some times the nerves are under shock from damage and these muscles recover. It is not possible to start new connections in the brain. It is difficult to say after what time period your niece will recover completely. Only her treating neurologist can tell you that. Take care!

[catt5689]

Can the brain rewire itself around the damage? She was in a car accident and was hit on the left side.  That is where the damage is.. We are wondering how much she can recover from this.  She opens her left eye but has a very difficult time opening her right eye.  She is not fully conscious yet.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Encephalomalacia is not an illness. It is basically a softening of the brain matter as a result of an ischemia or infarction, degenerative changes, infection, craniocerebral trauma, or other injury.  The cause has to be found out. Usually this is not reversible. Treatment is just supportive. If there is a clot blocking the blood supply then this can be treated. Please discuss with the treating neurologist.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!