Cerebral edema

Cerebral Edema

Cerebral edema (pronounced: /səˈriːbrəl iːˈdiːmə/) is a pathological condition characterized by an excess accumulation of fluid in the intracellular or extracellular spaces of the brain.

Etymology

The term "cerebral edema" is derived from the Greek words "kerebro" meaning brain and "oidēma" meaning swelling.

Definition

Cerebral edema refers to swelling in the brain caused by the presence of excess fluid. This condition can result from a variety of causes, including traumatic brain injury, stroke, tumor, or infection. The increased fluid causes the brain to swell and increases intracranial pressure, which can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral edema can vary depending on the severity and location of the swelling. Common symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, dizziness, and in severe cases, seizure, coma, or even death.

Causes

Cerebral edema can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Traumatic brain injury: This can cause bleeding in the brain, leading to swelling.
• Stroke: A stroke can block blood flow to the brain, causing cells to die and leading to swelling.
• Tumor: A brain tumor can cause swelling in the surrounding tissue.
• Infection: Infections in the brain, such as meningitis or encephalitis, can cause cerebral edema.

Treatment

Treatment for cerebral edema aims to reduce the swelling in the brain. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, including medication, surgery, or other medical procedures. The specific treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the edema.

Related Terms

• Intracranial pressure
• Hydrocephalus
• Brain herniation
• Cerebral atrophy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Cerebral edema
• Wikipedia's article - Cerebral edema

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