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?
Diagnosis
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
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)?
Possible complications
Complications of Brain herniation include:
- Brain death
- Permanent neurological damage