Brain Herniation

Brain herniation is displacement of brain tissue across dural/bony partitions due to raised intracranial pressure from a mass lesion (hemorrhage/tumor/edema), a life-threatening neurological emergency. Types: uncal/transtentorial, central, tonsillar, subfalcine. Clinical: deteriorating consciousness, pupillary changes, posturing, and respiratory irregularity. Treatment: urgent ICP control (head elevation, hyperventilation, mannitol/hypertonic saline), airway, and emergent surgical decompression of the mass lesion.

Common Symptoms

Deteriorating consciousness; pupillary dilation; decerebrate/decorticate posturing; irregular breathing; Cushing response

Causes and Pathogenesis

Mass lesion/raised ICP displaces brain tissue, compressing brainstem and vessels.

Treatment

Airway; head elevation/hyperventilation; mannitol/hypertonic saline; urgent surgical decompression

Preventive Measures

Early mass treatment; ICP monitoring; ICU.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurosurgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.