Brain lesions are areas of brain tissue that show damage from injury or disease. A lesion is an area of tissue that has been damaged through injury or disease, so a brain lesion is an area of injury or disease within the brain. Brain lesions can disrupt the way your brain works, causing a wide range of symptoms, such as weakness, disruption of one or more senses, and confusion. Symptoms of a brain lesion vary depending on the type, location, and size of the lesion. Some common types of brain lesions include:

• Tumors: Tumors are clumps of cells that grow abnormally from normal tissue. Some tumors in the brain are noncancerous, or benign. Others are cancerous. They may start in the brain, or they may spread from elsewhere in the body (metastatic). They may grow quickly or they may remain stable.

• Stroke: A stroke is a type of brain lesion that happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can be caused by a blood clot or a ruptured blood vessel.

• Traumatic brain injury: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of brain lesion that occurs when the brain is damaged by a blow or jolt to the head or body. This can happen in car accidents, falls, or sports injuries.

Brain lesions can be caused by injury, infection, exposure to certain chemicals, problems with the immune system, and more. Typically, their cause is unknown. The most common way to detect brain lesions is with diagnostic imaging scans. Depending on the cause, some types of brain lesions will heal on their own or are treatable. However, some brain lesions are permanent or happen for reasons that can’t be treated or cured. If you think someone with you is having a stroke or experiencing symptoms of a brain lesion, it is important to seek medical attention quickly.