Ramu is a government employee who earns well for his family. Unfortunately, he met with a small accident while driving his bike on the road. However, he didn’t undergo any treatment since the injuries are minor.
One day, he experienced dizziness and nausea while working in the office. His colleagues admitted him to a hospital and doctors who attended him said that he has the early symptoms of brain swelling. Currently, he is undergoing treatment for the problem to restore the condition.
In This Article:
- What is Brain Swelling?
- What are the Causes of Brain Swelling?
- What are the Symptoms of Brain Swelling?
- How is Brain Swelling Diagnosed?
- Knowing more about Modern Treatment Options
- The Bottom Line
What is Brain Swelling?
Brain swelling or cerebral edema results in the formation of liquid in the brain. It is a life-threatening condition that can affect a person in several ways. The condition will increase the pressure inside the skull resulting in various symptoms. Blood flow is necessary for enhancing brain functions significantly.
The pressure inside the skull due to swelling can prevent the blood flow to the brain that will result in the lack of oxygen. Furthermore, brain swelling can even block other fluids from entering the brain. Therefore, it requires immediate medical attention to overcome the complications.
What are the Causes of Brain Swelling?
Several factors will induce brain swelling and a person should know more about them in detail. Brain injury is the main reason for cerebral edema that can cause several problems in life. A traumatic brain injury can cause swelling in the brain which results in potential risks that require immediate medical attention. The building up of too many fluids can affect brain functions. Ischemic stroke is another factor that can increase the swelling of the brain which will cause blood clots or blockage near the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke can lead to brain swelling by restricting the flow of blood. Infections and other illnesses are other factors that can result in cerebral edema.
What are the Symptoms of Brain Swelling?
Brain swelling can lead to some symptoms that can impact the life of a person to a large extent. They include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, numbness, lack of coordination, mood changes, speech difficulties, seizures, weakness, incontinence, etc. Those who are facing these symptoms should consult with a physician for further treatment.
How is Brain Swelling Diagnosed?
Patients who suffer from cerebral edema should undergo certain medical exams that will help them choose the right treatment. Some of them include physical exams, CT scans, head MRIs, and blood tests. A physical exam will detect the pains and discomfort caused by brain swelling. Moreover, a CT scan is necessary for detecting the location of the swelling with high accuracy.
If a CT scan couldn’t predict the location, then an MRI is necessary for this purpose. The blood tests will help determine the cause of brain swelling.
5 Latest Brain Swelling Treatment Options You Should Know
Anyone who is suffering from brain swelling should know modern treatment options available in a hospital with more attention. This will help to select the right one among the available treatments depending on the conditions and other factors. The following treatments are ideal for patients who want to reduce the effects of cerebral edema.
- OsmotherapyÂ
Osmotherapy is the latest treatment meant for treating brain swelling. This procedure aims at reducing the volume of intracranial contents that will help obtain optimal results. It is one of the best treatments for those who want to recover from cerebral edema. Not only that, the therapy procedure utilizes some osmotic agents such as urea, glycerol, and mannitol that will help experience the desired outcomes. They will increase the serum that will shift the excess fluid from the brain. It gives ways to draw water out of the brain. A physician will perform the procedure with extreme care to avoid unwanted issues.
- CraniectomyÂ
Craniectomy is a surgical procedure designed for removing fluid from the brain caused by swelling. It is usually performed when a patient is in critical condition. The procedure involves removing a section of the brain with extreme care. Physicians will examine all medical records and diagnostic tests before carrying out this procedure. A patient should stay in a hospital after the surgery depending on the overall health.
- HypothermiaÂ
Hypothermia is another treatment that offers solutions for brain swelling problems with the best results. It aims at lowering the body temperature effectively to decrease metabolism in the brain which will help restore the conditions. The treatment provides methods to reduce brain inflammation significantly by addressing the essential needs. Apart from that, it makes feasible ways to enhance the brain conditions that help to accomplish goals with ease.
- Ventriculostomy
Ventriculostomy is a common brain swelling treatment recommended for patients who want to lead an active lifestyle. The procedure involves creating a hole within a cerebral ventricle to drain out the fluid with high efficiency. In most cases, doctors will suggest this treatment only after evaluating the conditions of patients. It is wise to know more about the procedure from different sources that will help gain more ideas.
- Hyperventilation TherapyÂ
Hyperventilation therapy is a powerful medical procedure that gives ways to reduce brain swelling efficiently. It decreases the blood flow to the brain thereby showing methods to lower the symptoms. This treatment allows a patient to exhale more than inhale which will help lower the level of carbon-di-oxide in the bloodstream. At the same time, one should understand the pros and cons before undergoing this procedure.
The Bottom Line
Brain swelling can lead to potential threats when it is not handled properly. Hence, one should consider protecting his head from injuries in workplaces and driving by wearing helmets. It is important to create a safe environment in homes to avoid falls and other problems. This will help a lot to prevent head injuries enabling a person to lead a trouble-free life. Also, patients who suffer from the symptoms should know the treatment options in a hospital to ensure a faster recovery. The treatment may vary from one patient to another patient depending on the conditions and other factors.
