Word parts
What it means
Fluid builds up in or around the brain cells after a head injury, stroke, tumor, infection, or severe low sodium. Because the skull cannot expand, the swelling raises the intracranial pressurein-truh-KRAY-nee-ul PRESH-erThe pressure inside the skull, made by the brain, the blood and the fluid around the brain.intra- insidecrani/o skull-al relating toFull entry and can reduce blood flow to the brain or lead to herniation. Treatment includes osmotic drugs such as mannitolMAN-ih-tolAn osmotic diuretic, given by IV, that draws water out of tissues into the blood so the kidneys can remove it.Full entry or hypertonic saline.
For the nurse
Keep the head of the bed raised about 30 degrees with the head in line with the body, avoid tight neck ties and sharp hip bending, and space out care that raises pressure, such as suctioning. Check neurological status often and report changes at once.
At a glance
| Spanish | edema cerebral |
|---|---|
| Also written | brain swelling |
Related terms
edema
Swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.
intracranial pressure
The pressure inside the skull, made by the brain, the blood and the fluid around the brain.
herniation
The bulging or pushing of an organ or tissue through an opening or weak spot into a place where it does not belong.
mannitol
An osmotic diuretic, given by IV, that draws water out of tissues into the blood so the kidneys can remove it.