From the Research
Follow-up care for encephalomalacia should include regular neurological evaluations every 3-6 months with a neurologist to monitor progression and manage symptoms, as well as periodic brain imaging such as MRI to assess changes in the affected brain areas, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Key Components of Follow-up Care
- Regular neurological evaluations every 3-6 months to monitor progression and manage symptoms
- Periodic brain imaging such as MRI to assess changes in the affected brain areas
- Medication management, including anticonvulsants like levetiracetam (500-1500 mg twice daily) or carbamazepine (200-400 mg twice daily) if seizures are present
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy to address specific deficits, with sessions 2-3 times weekly initially, then adjusted according to progress
- Cognitive rehabilitation to help with memory and thinking problems
Importance of Risk Factor Management
- Risk factor management is essential, including blood pressure control, diabetes management, and smoking cessation to prevent further vascular damage
- Regular screening for depression and anxiety is important as these conditions commonly accompany brain injuries
Considerations for Encephalomalacia
- Encephalomalacia represents permanent brain damage that can have progressive effects on neurological function, and early intervention for new symptoms can help preserve remaining function and quality of life
- The presence of encephalomalacia or extensive white matter hyperintensities can impact the predictive utility of automated ASPECTS, highlighting the importance of radiologist-derived scores 1
Additional Recommendations
- Patients should maintain a seizure diary if applicable, noting any new neurological symptoms like headaches, vision changes, weakness, or cognitive decline
- A comprehensive follow-up approach is necessary to address the complex needs of patients with encephalomalacia, as supported by the available evidence 2, 3, 4, 5