Brain Swelling, Recognize the Causes and Signs

Brain swelling is also known as medical cerebral edema. This condition can be caused by an accident or certain medical conditions. The brain is very susceptible to damage due to edema (swelling), because it is located inside a closed cavity. Your brain may swell due to injury or injury, suffer from diseases, certain medical conditions such as infections, tumors or strokes, even because you are at altitude. Swelling of the brain occurs when there is an accumulation of excessive fluid in the brain tissue. And this is not a trivial matter, because the swelling of the brain can cause death.

This Causes Brain Swelling

Brain swelling can apparently prevent blood from flowing into your brain, and this can block the supply of oxygen entering the brain. In fact, oxygen is needed by the brain, so that the brain functions optimally. In addition, brain swelling can also prevent other fluids from leaving your brain, and make the brain swelling even worse. This swelling can occur in certain parts of the brain, or in all parts of the brain, depending on the cause. There are also several causes of brain swelling, including:

• Infection

Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections in the brain can cause brain swelling. For example in meningitis, brain abscesses, encephalitis, and toxoplasmosis.

• Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) or brain damage due to head injury. Typically the causes of head injuries include falls, traffic accidents, beatings, or head banging on objects. This head injury can cause brain swelling.

• Stroke

Stroke also can actually cause the brain to swell. Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke and is caused by blockage of blood vessels in the brain. This results in the brain not getting a supply of oxygenated blood. As a result, brain cells begin to die and swelling ensues. In addition, hemorrhagic strokes can also cause your brain to swell. This stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures.

• Tumor

Tumors that grow in the brain can cause brain swelling in several ways. As it develops, the tumor can compress the area of ​​the brain around it. Brain tumors can also prevent cerebrospinal fluid from flowing out of the brain. In addition, new blood vessels that grow in and near tumors, can also cause brain swelling. Treatment for brain tumors depends on the type, size and location of the tumor, and your health condition.

• Hydrocephalus

This condition is caused by a buildup of fluid in the brain resulting in swelling. Hydrocephalus can occur due to a blockage in the flow of brain fluid, impaired absorption of brain fluid, or due to excessive production of brain fluid.

• High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

Is a fatal condition that occurs when someone climbs a mountain or is at an altitude of 2500-4000 meters. Symptoms can include impaired coordination of body movements, headache, fatigue, until there is a decrease in consciousness. This condition is the heaviest form of altitude sickness.

Symptoms Arising from Brain Swelling

Symptoms of edema or brain swelling vary depending on the severity and causes. Typically, brain swelling causes symptoms, including:

• Headache.
• Numbness or pain in the neck.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Dizzy.
• Irregular breathing.
• Memory loss.
• Convulsions.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Vision becomes blurred.
• Inability to walk.

One of the most dangerous complications due to brain swelling is herniation of the brain stem. This condition occurs when brain tissue protrudes from its normal position in the head cavity. Therefore, swelling of the brain must immediately get medical treatment at the hospital. There are also several ways to protect the brain from swelling, namely by using a helmet when exercising, skating, or riding a motorcycle / bicycle; wear a seat belt properly when driving; and live a healthy lifestyle to prevent high blood pressure and stroke.