Cerebral Edema

Definition

• Cerebral Edema: A medical condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the brain.

Causes

• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Infections:
  • Meningitis
  • Encephalitis
• Tumors
• Stroke
• High altitude exposure leading to High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE):
  • Occurs without proper acclimatization

Symptoms

• Severe and persistent headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

Diagnosis

• Physical and neurological examination to check for brain function abnormalities
• Imaging tests such as:
  • CT Scan
  • MRI to detect brain swelling

Treatment

• Goal: Reduce brain swelling and prevent damage
• Options:
  • Medications:
    • Diuretics
    • Steroids
  • Surgery for severe cases:
    • Insertion of a shunt to drain excess fluid
  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy:
    • Increases oxygen levels in the brain to reduce swelling