Brain herniation (patient information)
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Brain herniation |
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Brain herniation On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant-Editor-In-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty
Overview
Brain herniation is a side effect occurs when intracranial pressure (pressure inside the skull) builds up and causes brain tissue and blood vessels to be moved and pressed against the skull. Brain herniation is extremely dangerous and should be treated immediately.
What are the symptoms of Brain herniation?
Symptoms of Brain herniation include:
- Coma
- Lack of energy and tiredness
- Cardiac arrest (no heartbeat)
- Respiratory arrest (inability to breathe)
- Loss of consciousness
- Loss of brainstem reflexes
- blinking
- pupil dilation
- gag reflex
What are the causes of Brain herniation?
Causes of Brain herniation can include:
- Brain tumors
- Metastatic brain tumor
- Primary brain tumor
- Hemorrhage
- Abscess
- Stroke
- [Hydrocephalus] ("water on the brain")
Who is at highest risk?
People who have suffered a stroke or have a brain tumor are at a high risk of developing Brain herniation.
Diagnosis
Doctor's will look for physical signs of Brain herniation including:
- Irregular breathing
- Irregular or slow pulse rate
- High blood pressure
- changes in consciousness/alertness
- Problems with brain reflexes and nerve functions
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call 911 and seek medical treatment immediately if you suspect Brain herniation or you experience any of the symptoms listed above. Brain herniation is a medical emergency and can result in death if left untreated.
Treatment options
Treatment of Brain herniation involves relieving the pressure and fluid build-up in the brain. Treatment measures may include:
- Placing a shunt in the brain to drain excess fluid
- Taking medications that promote fluid loss from the body
- Mannitol or other diuretics
- Taking corticosteriods (if there is a brain tumor) to reduce swelling
- Dexamethasone
- Surgical removal of blood clots or blood to relieve pressure
- Performing endotracheal intubation (putting a tube in the airway) to reduce CO2 levels in the blood by promoting an increased breathing rate
Where to find medical care for Brain herniation?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Brain herniation
Prevention of Brain herniation
Prevention of Brain herniation includes:
- treatment of conditions that can lead to brain herniation (stroke, tumors,
- treatment of intracranial pressure
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Brain herniation is a severe condition that can cause stroke and may lead to impaired breathing, impaired neurological functioning, or death. The outlook will depend on where the herniation is located in the brain and how quickly treatment is sought.
If treatment is not sought death is a likely outcome.
Possible complications
Complications of Brain herniation include:
- Brain death
- Permanent neurological damage