Cerebral edema is the body's response to trauma, infection, intoxication or excessive stress. Rapid accumulation of fluid in the brain cells and intercellular spaces causes an increase in intracranial pressure, a violation of blood circulation, and in the absence of medical care can cause death.
Why does the brain swelling?
There are many factors that provoke cerebral edema. The most common causes of cerebral edema are the following:
- craniocerebral trauma in a fall, stroke or accident, leading to damage to intracranial structures;
- hemorrhagic stroke with increased blood pressure as a result of a violation of the integrity of the brain vessels;
- ischemic stroke, developed due to circulatory disorders during the formation of a thrombus;
- malignant (less often benign) tumors, in which the area of the brain is squeezed;
- infectious diseases associated with inflammation of the brain tissue (meningitis, encephalitis, toxoplasmosis);
- subdural abscess, as a result of complications in infections;
- regular alcohol abuse;
- diabetic coma;
- renal insufficiency.
There is evidence that the cause of cerebral edema may be a drop in height. So, at a height of more than 1.5 km above sea level, in some cases, there is a so-called acute edema of the brain.
Consequences of cerebral edema
The consequences of cerebral edema largely depend on the cause that caused edematous phenomena, as well as on how quickly the patient entered the hospital. In a hospital setting, a set of therapeutic measures is carried out. Along with medical treatment, a patient can be shown a brain operation.
If untimely provision of appropriate medical assistance, a fatal outcome is possible. Often, cerebral edema leads to disability, especially if it is caused by a stroke. Also, after cerebral edema, there may be:
- attacks of headache ;
- sleep disorders;
- change in motor functions;
- violation of attention, memory and speech;
- epileptic seizures;
- asymmetry of the face and strabismus;
- problems with mental and emotional well-being.
In order to avoid serious consequences for violations of the state of health, you need to see a doctor and undergo a medical examination.