neuropatoloogia

Neuropatology is the branch of pathology that focuses on the study of structural and functional changes in nervous tissue associated with disease. By examining brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, neuropathologists identify the underlying causes of neurological disorders and help determine prognosis and therapeutic approaches. Diagnostic techniques include light microscopy, electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and increasingly, molecular genetic analyses.

The discipline encompasses several specialized subfields. Central nervous system neuropathology reviews lesions within the brain and spinal cord, addressing conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, brain tumours, inflammatory disorders, and cerebral vascular syndromes. Peripheral neuropathology evaluates damage to cranial and spinal nerves, myelin, and neuromuscular junctions, including Guillain‑Barré syndrome, Charcot‑Marie‑Tooth disease, and toxic neuropathies. Comparative neuropathology extends the principles to veterinary species, supporting both clinical diagnosis and translational research.

Neuropathologists collaborate closely with neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, and geneticists to translate microscopic findings into patient care. Their reports inform grading of tumours, identification of infectious agents, and detection of protein aggregates characteristic of conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In research, neuropathology provides essential validation for disease models and therapeutic targets.

Historically, neuropathology evolved from early autopsy studies in the 19th century to the sophisticated immunomodulatory and molecular methods of the 21st century. Landmark figures include Alois Alzheimer, who first described neurofibrillary tangles, and Dr. Hans Reiner, whose work on prion diseases highlighted the role of protein misfolding. Today, the field remains pivotal for understanding, diagnosing, and ultimately treating a wide spectrum of nervous system diseases.