There are two major classes of herniation: supratentorial and infratentorial. The four main types of brain herniation syndromes include an uncinate and central transtentorial herniations, as well as a subfalcine or tonsillar herniations.
Brain herniation frequently presents with abnormal posturing a characteristic positioning of the limbs indicative of severe brain damage. These patients have a lowered level of consciousness, with Glasgow Coma Scores of three to five. One or both pupils may be dilated and fail to constrict in response to light. Vomiting can also occur due to compression of the vomiting center in the medulla oblongata.