neuropatologia

Neuropathology is a specialized field of pathology that focuses on the study of diseases affecting the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Neuropathologists work to diagnose neurological disorders by examining tissue samples obtained through biopsies or autopsies. They analyze the microscopic and macroscopic changes within nervous tissue to identify the underlying cause of a patient's condition.

The scope of neuropathology is broad, encompassing a wide range of conditions. This includes neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, where specific neuronal populations are lost. It also covers tumors of the nervous system, both primary (originating in the brain or spinal cord) and metastatic (spreading from elsewhere in the body). Infectious diseases affecting the nervous system, like meningitis and encephalitis, are also within the purview of neuropathology.

Furthermore, neuropathologists are involved in the diagnosis of cerebrovascular diseases, such as stroke, by examining tissue damage caused by impaired blood flow. Traumatic brain injuries and their long-term consequences are also studied. Congenital and developmental abnormalities of the nervous system are another area of focus. The diagnostic process often involves a combination of gross examination of tissues, histological staining techniques, and immunohistochemistry to identify specific cellular markers. Molecular pathology techniques are increasingly being integrated into neuropathological diagnostics to further refine diagnoses and guide treatment strategies.