What is Gliosis?

, , Comments Off on What is Gliosis?

Gliosis is type of a scarring process that occurs after the central nervous system (CNS) suffers damage from stroke or multiple sclerosis. In some cases it results from the sudden growth and adaptation of glial cells leading to the formation of glial scars. The scaring can be a sign of recovery but further scaring is a significant indicator of neurological damage.

The formation of Gliosis can come about in several days. When a person experiences CNS injury, the macrophages migrates to the injured site creating the microgliosis. After three to five days, the oligodendrocyte precursor cells proceed to the damaged area contributing to remyelination. At the end of the process, the astrocytes in the damaged region would start to inflame forming a dense and fibrous tissue known as the glial scar. Gliosis produces both positive and negative effects. During its first stage, the reactive astrocytes would protect the neurons and other brain cells from further damage and death. However, in the formation of glial scars, the reactive astrocytes restrict the axon regeneration causing supplementary damage in the nervous system.

Also known as reactive astrocytis, Gliosis can be confirmed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It appears like an elongated corkscrew structure of pink protein deposits. Oftentimes, it is mistaken with Gliomas. However, while the latter is a cluster if cells or small tumors with varying degrees, Gliosis is a worm-like metastasis that occur in a specific area of the CNS.

Symptoms of Gliosis largely depend on its location. For instance if it is found in the occipital lobe of the brain, the first few things that can occur in one person are vision impairment or total loss of sight. Gliosis may be also attributed to autoimmune inflammatory disorder s, Alzheimer’s disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. A person who shows signs and symptoms of Gliosis should consult a neurologist.

Tea Time Quiz

[forminator_poll id="23176"]