Brain edema means edema or swelling which develops in brain tissue. First of all, it is needed to define edema:
In fact, edema is a defensive response developed by our body against injuries and damages. The permeability of blood vessels increases in the injured area and immune system cells, protein and liquid are moved into this area immediately. For instance, we witness this process when we sprain our ankle.
The edema which happens in brain also occurs with a similar mechanism. But the edema which happens in brain is dangerous and may cause death of the person. This is so because our brain is in a stable size within our skull. Since our skull does not enlarge, the liquid which is formed in case of brain edema pressurizes the brain tissues. If the increased pressure is not treated, the neurons start to die, permanent damage happens, and the person may even die.
Why Does Brain Edema Happen?
- Traumatic Brain Injury: Traffic accidents, falls, sports injuries and head blows may cause brain edema.
- Stroke: Death of neurons which could not nourish because of stroke may cause edema formation in brain.
- Brain tumor: Brain tumors which pressurize the nearby brain tissues may cause death of neurons and happening of edema in brain.
- Infections: Infections like encephalitis and meningitis may cause brain edema.
- Other reasons: Rapid ascent to a high altitude, which the body is not used to, may deprive the brain of oxygen and cause cerebral edema. Besides, drug poisoning and carbon monoxide poisoning may also cause brain edema.
What Are the Symptoms of Brain Edema?
- Severe headache and dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty in remembering
- Speech disorder
- Seizure
- Loss of vision
- Loss of strength in arms and legs
- Loss of consciousness
- Respiratory arrest (due to the herniation of the brain in severe cases of cerebral edema)
How is Brain Edema Treated?
The brain edema which occurs in case of mild head traumas (concussion) may disappear naturally. On the other hand, cerebral edema usually requires urgent medical intervention. The aim of treatment is to reduce brain edema and stabilize intracranial pressure. With this purpose, medication, oxygen therapy, cooling therapy, ventriculostomy and surgical treatments may be applied.
Medication in Brain Edema: Some anti-edema drugs (diuretic drugs) or drugs which contain cortisone can be used to reduce brain edema.
Osmotic Treatment in Brain Edema: Excessive water which has accumulated in the brain may be withdrawn by intravenous administration of serums which have high water retention capacity.
Oxygen Therapy in Brain Edema: Intracranial pressure and brain edema may be decreased by the oxygen therapy applied in a controlled manner.
Cooling Treatment in Brain Edema: Cooling the body in a controlled manner may be preferred to slow down the brain metabolism and reduce edema.
Ventriculostomy Treatment in Brain Edema: A small hole is opened in the skull and a tube is inserted into the cavities where the cerebrospinal fluid is located. With this tube, it is aimed to get rid of the excessive fluid from the brain and reduce intracranial pressure.
Surgical Treatment in Brain Edema: Part of the skull is removed to reduce intracranial pressure in some cases. Thanks to this, the brain is provided with an area where it can expand. If there is a tumor tissue which causes brain edema, this tissue may also be removed via surgical treatment.
