Brain Edema or Cerebral Edema ; Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Brain Edema Definition Brain edema, also known as cerebral edema, is a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid within the brain, leading to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and potentially life-threatening complications. Types 1. Vasogenic edema: fluid accumulation due to blood-brain barrier disruption 2. Cytotoxic edema: fluid accumulation due to cellular injury or death 3. Interstitial edema: fluid accumulation in brain tissue 4. Hydrocephalic edema: fluid accumulation due to obstructed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow Causes 1. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) 2. Stroke or cerebral ischemia 3. Brain tumors 4. Infections (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis) 5. Hypoxia or hypercapnia 6. Toxins or poisons 7. Liver or kidney failure 8. High-altitude sickness 9. Malignant hypertension Symptoms 1. Headache 2. Confusion or altered mental status 3. Nausea and vomiting 4. Seizures 5. Papilledema (swelling of optic disc) 6. Focal neurological deficits (e.g., weakness, numbness) 7. Decreased consciousness 8. Respiratory distress Diagnosis 1. Computed Tomography (CT) scan 2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 3. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound 4. Lumbar puncture (LP) 5. Electroencephalogram (EEG) 6. Blood tests (e.g., electrolytes, liver function) Treatment 1. Supportive care: Oxygen therapy Fluid management Pain management Seizure control 2. Medical management: Corticosteroids Osmotic agents (e.g., mannitol) Diuretics Hypertonic saline 3. Surgical management: Craniotomy CSF diversion procedures (e.g., shunting) Decompressive craniectomy Complications 1. Increased ICP 2. Herniation 3. Brainstem compression 4. Respiratory failure 5. Cardiac arrest 6. Permanent neurological damage #Edema #Brainedema
