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@https://www.webmd.com/brain/brain-swelling-brain-edema-intracranial-pressure
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@https://www.webmd.com/brain/brain-swelling-brain-edema-intracranial-pressure
#
- Ischemic strokes: Ischemic stroke is the most common type of strokeand is caused by a blood clot or blockage in or near the brain. The brain is unable to receive the blood -- and oxygen -- it needs to function. As a result, brain cells start to die. As the brain responds, swelling can occur.
- Brain (intracerebral) hemorrhages and strokes: Hemorrhage refers to blood leaking from a blood vessel. Hemorrhagic strokes are the most common type of brain hemorrhage. They occur when blood vessels anywhere in the brain rupture. As blood leaks and the body responds, pressure builds inside the brain. High blood pressure is thought to be the most frequent cause of this kind ofstroke. Hemorrhages in the brain can also be due to head injury, certain medications, and unknown malformations present from birth.
- Infections: Illness caused by an infectious organism such as a virus or bacterium can lead to brain swelling. Examples of these illnesses include:
- Meningitis: This is an infection in which the covering of the brain becomes inflamed. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, other organisms, and some medications.
- Encephalitis: This is an infection in which the brain itself becomes inflamed. It is most often caused by a group of viruses and is spread usually through insect bites. A similar condition is called encephalopathy, which is due to Reye's syndrome.
- Toxoplasmosis: This infection is caused by a parasite. Toxoplasmosis most often affects fetuses, young infants, and people with damaged immune systems.
- Subdural empyema: Subdural empyema refers to an area of the brain becoming abscessed or filled with pus, usually after another illness such asmeningitis or a sinus infection. The infection can spread quickly, causing swelling and blocking other fluid from leaving the brain.
- Tumors: Growths in the brain can cause swelling in several ways. As a tumor develops, it can press against other areas of the brain. Tumors in some parts of the brain may block cerebrospinal fluid from flowing out of the brain. New blood vessels growing in and near the tumor can also lead to swelling.
- High altitudes: Although researchers don't know the exact causes, brain swelling is more likely to occur at altitudes above 4,900 feet. This type of brain edema is usually associated with severe acute mountain sickness (AMS) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
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What Are the Symptoms of Brain Swelling?
Symptoms of brain swelling vary, depending on the severity and the cause. Usually they begin suddenly. You may notice any of these symptoms:
- Headache
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Irregular breathing
- Vision loss or changes
- Memory loss
- Inability to walk
- Difficulty speaking
- Stupor
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
How Is Brain Swelling Diagnosed?
The steps used by your doctor to diagnose brain swelling depend on the symptoms and the suspected cause. Common exams and tests used in the diagnosis include:
- Head and neck exam
- Neurologic exam
- CT scan of the head to identify the extent and location of the swelling
- MRI of the head to identify the extent and location of the swelling
- Blood tests to check for causes of the swelling
What Is the Treatment for Brain Swelling?
Minor cases of brain swelling due to causes such as moderate altitude sickness or a slight concussion often resolve within a few days. In most cases, however, more treatment is needed quickly.
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The goal is to assure that the brain receives enough blood and oxygen to remain healthy while the swelling is relieved and any underlying causes are treated. This may require a combination of medical and surgical treatments. Prompt treatment usually results in quicker and more complete recovery. Without it, some damage may remain.
Treatment for brain edema may include any combination of the following:
- Oxygen therapy: Providing oxygen through a respirator or other means helps make sure that the blood has enough oxygen in it. The doctor can adjust the respirator to help reduce the amount of swelling.
- IV fluids: Giving fluids and medicine through an IV can keep blood pressure from dropping too low. This helps to make sure that the body -- including the brain -- is receiving enough blood. However, some fluids can make swelling worse. Doctors attempt to use the right amounts of the right fluids in someone with brain swelling.
- Lowering body temperature(hypothermia): Lowering the temperature of the body and brain helps relieve swelling and allows the brain to heal. Hypothermia as a treatment for brain swelling is not widely used because it is difficult to perform correctly.
- Medication: In some cases of brain edema, your doctor may start a drug to help relieve the swelling. Medication may also be given for other reasons, such as to slow your body's response to the swelling or to dissolve any clots. The drugs your doctor gives you depend on the cause and symptoms of brain swelling.
- Ventriculostomy: In this procedure, a surgeon cuts a small hole in the skull and inserts a plastic drain tube. Cerebrospinal fluid is drained from inside the brain, helping to relieve the pressure.
- Surgery: Surgery may have one or more of these goals:
- Removing part of the skull to relieve intracranial pressure; this procedure is called decompressive craniectomy.
- Removing or repairing the source of the swelling, such as repairing a damaged artery or vein or removing a growth
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What Are the Long-Term Effects of Brain Swelling?
It's common to have lingering effects from brain swelling. The problems you notice depend on the severity as well as the location of the injury. Symptoms may be noticed with any of the following:
- Sleeping
- Thinking and attention skills
- Headaches
- Depression
- Communication skills
- Movement
Your health care team is available to help you deal with these challenges. While some problems may continue to diminish over time, others may require ongoing treatment.
How Can I Protect my Head?
To protect the brain, keep these tips in mind as you go about your daily activities:
- Use a helmet when biking, skating, playing contact sports, or performing other activities in which you might fall and hit your head.
- Wear seat belts properly when driving or riding in vehicles.
- Make sure you are doing all you can to control high blood pressure andheart disease.
- Avoid smoking.
- When traveling to high elevations, take your time -- allow your body to adjust to the altitude.
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Tuesday 17thOctober2017
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