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A brain herniation is when brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood vessels are moved or pressed away from their usual position in the head.
Alternative NamesHerniation syndrome; Transtentorial herniation; Uncal herniation; Subfalcine herniation; Tonsillar herniation; Herniation - brain
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsA brain herniation occurs when something inside the skull produces pressure that moves brain tissues. This is most often the result of brain swelling from a head injury.
Brain herniations are the most common side effect of tumors in the brain, including:
A brain herniation can also be caused by:
- Abscess
- Hemorrhage
- Hydrocephalus
- Strokes that cause brain swelling
A brain herniation can occur:
- Between areas inside the skull, such as those separated by a rigid membrane called the "tentorium"
- Through a natural opening at the base of the skull called the foramen magnum
- Through openings created during brain surgery
- Cardiac arrest (no pulse)
- Coma
- Irregular breathing
- Irregular pulse
- Loss of all brainstem reflexes (blinking, gagging, pupils reacting to light)
- Progressive loss of consciousness
- Respiratory arrest (no breathing)
A neurological exam shows changes in alertness (consciousness). Depending on the severity of the herniation, there will be problems with one or more brain-related reflexes and cranial nerve functions.
Patients with a brain herniation have irregular heart rhythms and difficulty breathing consistently.
TreatmentBrain herniation is a medical emergency. The goal of treatment is to save the patient's life.
To help reverse or prevent a brain herniation, the medical team will treat increased swelling and pressure in the brain. Treatment may involve:
- Placing a drain placed into the brain to help remove fluid
- Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, especially if there is a brain tumor
- Medications that remove fluid from the body such as mannitol or other diuretics, which reduce pressure inside the skull
- Placing a tube in the airway (endotracheal intubation) and increasing the breathing rate to reduce the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood
- Removing the blood if bleeding is causing herniation
The outlook varies and depends on where in the brain the herniation occurred. Death is possible.
A brain herniation itself often causes massive stroke. There can be damage to parts of the brain that control breathing and blood flow. This can rapidly lead to death or brain death.
Complications- Brain death
- Permanent and significant neurologic problems
Call your local emergency number (such as 911) or take the patient to a hospital emergency room if decreased alertness or other symptoms suddenly develop, especially if there has been a head injury or if the person has a brain tumor or blood vessel malformation.
PreventionPrompt treatment of increased intracranial pressure and related disorders may reduce the risk of brain herniation.
ReferencesNkwuo N, Schamban N, Borenstein M. Selected oncologic emergencies. In: Marx JA, ed.Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 121.
What else can I help you with?
What is The name of the condition when an edema or lesion exerts pressure within the cranial compartment and shifts the skull's contents?
The condition mentioned is brain herniation. According to place of lesion the brain contents may shift by structures called falx, tentorium and also sometimes foramen magnum ( hole through which the spinal cord passes)
What is a Stegasaurus' brain the same size as?
a stegasauruses brain is as big as a cats brain
What is the difference between the brain and the cranial?
The brain is an organ responsible for processing information and controlling bodily functions. The cranium is the skull bone that encases and protects the brain. The brain and the cranium are distinct entities, with the brain being the organ housed within the cranium.
What is the difference between brain tumors and brain cancer?
The terms "brain tumor" and "brain cancer" are related but not synonymous. Here's the key difference between the two: Brain Tumor: A brain tumor is a broad term that refers to an abnormal growth or mass of cells within the brain or the surrounding tissues. Brain tumors can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign brain tumors typically grow slowly and do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. They can, however, cause symptoms if they press against surrounding structures. Malignant brain tumors, on the other hand, are considered brain cancer. They are aggressive, tend to invade nearby healthy brain tissue, and can potentially spread to other parts of the central nervous system. Malignant brain tumors are often referred to as primary brain cancer. Brain Cancer: Brain cancer specifically refers to malignant tumors that originate within the brain or central nervous system (CNS). These tumors are composed of cancerous cells that can grow rapidly and invade nearby brain tissue. Brain cancer is categorized into different types based on the specific cell types and tissues from which they arise. The most common primary brain cancers include gliomas (e.g., glioblastoma multiforme), meningiomas, and medulloblastomas, among others. Unlike benign brain tumors, brain cancer has the potential to metastasize (spread) within the CNS but rarely metastasizes outside the brain or spinal cord to other parts of the body. In summary, a brain tumor is a general term for any abnormal growth in the brain, which can be either benign or malignant. Brain cancer, on the other hand, specifically refers to malignant tumors that originate within the brain or CNS. It's important to note that the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for brain tumors and brain cancer can vary widely depending on factors such as tumor type, location, size, and stage. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches, and it should be determined in consultation with medical professionals.
What is The sequence of brain regions from the evolutionary oldest to newest?
The brain region that seems to have the oldest evolutionary history is the brain stem. The brain stem is located at the brain's base and is joined to the spinal cord. The brain stem contains the midbrain, pons and medulla oblongata.
What is the medical term meaning herniation of the brain?
The medical term for herniation of the brain is "brain herniation." This condition occurs when part of the brain is displaced from its normal position within the skull, usually due to increased pressure within the skull. Brain herniation is a serious medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent further damage.
What is herniation through the cranium called?
Herniation through the cranium is called "brain herniation." This occurs when brain tissue shifts from its normal position due to increased intracranial pressure, often as a result of trauma, tumors, or swelling. The most common types of brain herniation include uncal herniation, tonsillar herniation, and central herniation. Each type can lead to severe neurological deficits and is considered a medical emergency.
How does herniation of the brainstem occur?
Death or permanent debilitation follows herniation of the brain stem.Such herniation will cause compression of those structures within the brain stem that control the most vital functions of the body (breathing, heart beat, consciousness).
What is a congenital herniation of brain tissue through a gap in the skull?
False, that would be an encephalocele.
What is the medical term meaning hernia of the spinal cord?
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.
WHAT IS CEREBELLAR TONSILLARE ECTOPIA?
Cerebellar tonsillar ectopia refers to a brain condition. In this condition, the tonsils near the back of the skull lay low causing herniation.
What is The name of the condition when an edema or lesion exerts pressure within the cranial compartment and shifts the skull's contents?
The condition mentioned is brain herniation. According to place of lesion the brain contents may shift by structures called falx, tentorium and also sometimes foramen magnum ( hole through which the spinal cord passes)
Define the term coning and there complications?
coning is herniation of the brain due to an increased intracranial pressure (ICP). the increased ICP can cause pressure on the brain stem and cause respiratory difficulties such as hyperventilaton and cheyne stocking. coning is a medical emergency and can result in death
What is the term meaning herniation of the meninges?
Meningocele is the medical term for a hernia of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. The suffix for hernia is -cele. Meningomyelocele is protrusion of the spinal cord and meninges.meningocele
What is waning and coning?
The Earth's Moon is considered to be "waning" when it's phase is past "full moon" and changing phases into the "last quarter" and "new moon" phases. After that, it waxes strong again. In the field of medicine, "coning" is a type of brain herniation.
What may cause the medulla oblongata to be wedged into the foramen magnum by pressure of blood?
That can be from anything that increases the pressure in the brain such as swelling, bleeding or masses and is called herniation. It can be from a birth defect known as a Chiari malformation.
What is the sagittal sign?
The sagittal sign is a clinical indicator used in the assessment of certain conditions, particularly in the context of evaluating intracranial pressure or brain herniation. It refers to the presence of a midline shift in brain structures as viewed on imaging, indicating potential displacement due to mass effect from lesions or swelling. This sign is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions such as traumatic brain injury or brain tumors. Detecting the sagittal sign can guide treatment decisions to alleviate increased intracranial pressure.
