cerebral spongiform changes

Cerebral spongiform changes refer to abnormal alterations in the brain tissue characterized by the formation of holes and a sponge-like appearance. These changes occur due to the accumulation of misfolded proteins called prions, which damage and destroy nerve cells. As neurons die, the brain tissue develops vacant spaces, giving it a spongy look under a microscope. This pattern is commonly associated with prion diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, leading to neurological decline, cognitive impairment, and other neurological symptoms.