Which term is defined as softening of the brain often due to ischemia or infarction?

The term that refers to the softening of the brain, often due to ischemia or infarction, is encephalomalacia. This condition occurs when there is a loss of brain tissue, which can happen as a result of various factors, including reduced or interrupted blood flow to the brain. Ischemia leads to the death of brain cells, and over time, the affected area may become softened or necrotic.

In clinical practice, encephalomalacia is significant because it can help diagnose the underlying causes of neurological deficits in patients, including past strokes or other forms of cerebral injury. Recognizing the signs of this condition is essential for appropriate treatment and management of patients with brain damage.

The other terms provided refer to different medical issues: cerebrospinal relates to the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord; dysphasia is a language disorder affecting the production or comprehension of speech; and hemiparesis refers to weakness on one side of the body. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why encephalomalacia is the correct term for the condition described.