Table 1 Grading for Severity of White Matter Damage (H&E Staining)

Grade 1

Normal

• Normal white matter

Grade 2

Mild

• No appreciable reduction in axonal meshwork density

• Easily recognized long axons

• Occasional axonal debris

• A slightly increased number of reactive astrocytes

Grade 3

Moderate

• A slight reduction of axonal meshwork density

• Reduction of oligodendroglial cell nuclei

• Increased no. of reactive astrocytes

Grade 4

Severe

• A marked reduction of myelin, axons and oligodendroglial cell nuclei

• Marked astrocytic reaction

• Loosely scattered macrophages but no complete cerebral infarct