Alternative Names
Herniation syndrome; Transtentorial herniation; Uncal herniation; Subfalcine herniation; Tonsillar herniation; Herniation – brain
Definition of Brain herniation
A brain herniation is when brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood vessels are moved or pressed away from their usual position inside the skull.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Brain herniation occurs when something inside the skull produces pressure that moves brain tissues. This is most often the result of brain swelling from a head injury, , or brain tumor.
Signs and tests
Patients with a brain herniation have:
Treatment
Brain herniation is a medical emergency. The goal of treatment is to save the patient’s life.
Expectations (prognosis)
The outlook varies and depends on where in the brain the herniation occurrs. Without treatment, death is likely.
Review
Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 9/13/2010
