Brain herniation, also known as hernia of the brain or brain code, is a medical state in which the brain tissue migrates to a different position inside the skull, causing an abnormality in the brain. This movement of tissue is often caused by several factors, including head injuries, brain tumours or strokes, resulting in the swelling of the brain tissue. This medical condition may be fatal if not treated immediately. The brain is a vital organ. Hence, it is paramount that we keep it as healthy as possible.
Let’s dive deep into the subject by looking at the types, causes, symptoms and treatment of brain herniation:
Types Of Brain Herniation
There are several types of brain herniation that include the following:
- Subfalcine- often known as the middle shift. It has been reported to be the most common. This occurs when the brain tissue in the middle of the brain shifts to the other side.
- Transtentorial Herniation -this can be subdivided into two.
- Descending transtentorial- this is also another common type of herniation. In this case, part of the temporal lobe moves downward to the posterior fossa.
- Ascending transtentorial- the cerebellum and the brain stem move upward to the tentorium cerebelli
- Cerebellar tonsillar- the cerebellar tonsils descend through the foramen magnum
Cause Of Brain Herniation
The most common causes of brain herniation are as follows:
- Head injury
- Stroke
- Brain haemorrhage
- Brain tumor
- Build-up of fluid in the brain
There are also other causes like liver disease, brain defect or brain surgery, to mention but a few.
Symptoms Of Brain Herniation
Brain herniation symptoms may vary depending on the area of the brain that is affected:
- Abnormal breathing patterns
- Abnormal or lack of eye movement
- High blood pressure or low blood pressure
- Seizures
- Severe headaches, nausea and vomiting
Treatment Of Brain Herniation
Brain herniation treatment has to be done swiftly after proper diagnosis to avoid any further brain damage, as this condition can be very fatal if treatment is delayed. Some of the treatments include:
- Extraction of mass lesions- this involves the removal of tumours, hematomas, or abscesses through surgery
- Decompressive hemicraniectomy- in this procedure, the part of the skull is removed to accommodate the swollen brain
- Mechanical ventilation- to control carbon dioxide levels and support breathing
- Ventriculostomy- drainage of fluid to reduce the pressure
- Osmotherapy- drugs are used to draw the fluid out of the brain, which helps in reducing brain swelling
We can’t afford to ignore the fact that if this medical condition is left untreated or treatment is delayed, the consequences are dire. It may lead to a coma, cardiac arrest, brain death, permanent brain damage and or death. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medicare care from experts in the medical field, like Neuro Life Brain And Spinal Centre. They provide the best spinal and complex brain surgery. Their clinic is open 24/7 to assist you with medical emergencies and consultations. They are dedicated to improving the overall health and life span of their patients. Their specialists are highly trained and dedicated to the cause.
