Brain swelling or cerebral edema (cerebral edema) is a condition in which the brain enlarges due to a buildup of fluid in the brain. Swelling of the brain can cause symptoms such as dizziness, even difficulty speaking. In conditions that are classified as severe and do not get treatment, brain swelling can cause death.
Causes of Brain Swelling
Swelling of the brain occurs due to excess fluid in the brain. The appearance of the fluid itself is the body's natural response when experiencing a disturbance. Several conditions can cause the disorder, including:
- Ischemic stroke.
- Brain hemorrhage.
- Infections, such as meningitis, encephalitis, or toxoplasmosis.
- Brain tumor.
- Head injury.
- Air pressure drops at altitude.
Symptoms of Brain Swelling
Brain swelling can cause different symptoms in each person. Symptoms that appear include:
- Dizzy.
- Movement disorders.
- Numb.
- Nauseous.
- Headache.
There are also further symptoms that indicate that the swelling is getting worse. See a doctor immediately if the following symptoms occur:
- Difficulty speaking.
- Changes in consciousness.
- seizures.
- Memory loss.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Weak.
Diagnosis of Brain Swelling
The diagnosis process in each patient can be different, according to the symptoms that appear and the suspected cause of brain swelling. The doctor will also examine the patient's medical history and overall health condition.
There are several tests used to diagnose brain swelling, including:
- CTscanand MRI. This test is done to detect swelling.
- Blood test. This test is done to find out the cause of brain swelling.
Brain Swelling Treatment
In mild conditions, brain swelling can heal on its own within a few days. However, if the swelling of the brain is bothersome and has been going on for a long time, further treatment can be done.
Treatment aims to treat the cause of the swelling and ensure that the brain receives an adequate supply of oxygen and blood during recovery. Some of the common methods used to treat brain swelling include:
- Fluid administration. This method aims to prevent blood pressure from dropping too far. That way, the brain receives an adequate supply of blood.
- Drug Administration.Doctors can prescribe medication, such as mannitol, which works to reduce brain swelling.
- Installation of breathing apparatus. The breathing machine regulates the patient's breathing so that more carbon dioxide is expelled from the body.
- Ventriculostomy.This procedure requires an incision and a hole in the head, which then becomes the entry point for a device that functions to drain excess fluid from the brain.
- Operation.The operation is performed to address the cause of the swelling. If the swelling of the brain is caused because the patient has a tumor, then surgery is performed to remove the tumor.
Prevention of Brain Swelling
Prevention must be adjusted to the existing risk factors. In general, brain swelling can be avoided by preventing a severe impact from causing a head injury. Some of the following efforts can also be done to prevent brain swelling:
- Avoid smoking.
- Use safety equipment and personal protective equipment, such as helmets or seat belt when driving.
- Perform regular blood pressure and heart checks. Your doctor will recommend steps you can take to maintain a healthy heart and blood pressure.
- When traveling to highlands, for example climbing a mountain, stop at a certain height and allow your body to adapt first to the stresses of that altitude.