Brain swelling can lead to permanent brain damage or death and is caused by traumatic head injury, stroke, infection, brain injury, altitude sickness, or tumors. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and confusion. Treatment depends on the severity and may include medication, breathing tube, lowering body temperature, or surgery.
Brain swelling is very serious and can lead to permanent brain damage and even death. There are several causes of brain swelling, the most common being a traumatic head injury, stroke, and infection. Other causes may be less common but do occur, such as brain injury and side effects of being at high altitudes.
A traumatic brain injury is trauma to part of the brain. It is a major cause of brain swelling. A brain injury can be caused by several things, including a car accident or a fall. The brain responds similarly to other areas of the body when it receives trauma: it begins to swell.
Another common cause of swelling in the brain is infection, such as encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. Infections like these are caused by viruses or bacteria. Meningitis is another common infection that can lead to brain swelling. In the case of meningitis, the infection can be caused by a bacterium or a virus.
An abscess, which is also a type of infection, can also form in other areas of the head, such as the teeth or sinuses. When this occurs, it is possible for the abscess to spread to the brain. If this happens, swelling can develop in the brain.
Brain tumors or injuries are also known to cause swelling in the brain. Tumors can originate in the brain or spread from other areas of the body. As the tumor grows, it can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which leads to swelling. One of the rare causes of swelling in the brain is severe altitude sickness. This develops when someone is at high altitudes, most often above 5,000 feet.
Symptoms of brain swelling include severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. Depending on the degree of swelling, confusion, loss of balance, seizures, and loss of consciousness may occur. Diagnosing brain swelling is done through a neurological exam and tests such as a CT scan and MRI.
Treating brain swelling promptly is essential to prevent permanent brain damage or death. Various treatments may be needed, depending on how severe the swelling is in the brain. Medications sometimes help reduce swelling.
In more extreme cases of swelling in the brain, the patient may need a breathing tube to assist in breathing. In some cases of brain swelling, doctors will try to lower the patient’s body temperature. Keeping the patient cool can reduce swelling. Surgery may also be needed, such as removing a portion of the skull to allow the brain to expand without damaging the tissue.
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