The cerebral edema is accompanied by an increase in intracranial pressure and, in most cases, arises as a response of the body to excessive loads or infection. The accumulation of fluid in the brain tissue that occurs when the brain is swollen may have irreversible effects, but in some cases it is possible to fully restore its functions.
Cerebral edema in stroke
As a rule, cerebral edema develops on the 1 - 2 days after the development of cerebrovascular accident - a stroke and has a maximum severity for 3 - 5 days. In most cases, it gradually decreases by about 7 to 8 days.
Edema of the brain tissue leads to an increase in its volume, an increase in intracranial pressure. At the same time, all the important structures of the brain are squeezed, and it can be wedged into the large occipital orifice.
Cerebral edema with alcoholism
Physical alcohol dependence, which is manifested by alcohol withdrawal syndrome, can lead to edema of the brain. The reason for this is that alcohol dramatically increases the permeability of the walls of blood vessels and leads to a violation of electrolytic balance in the body. In this case, with edema, first of all, the respiratory and cardiac centers are affected, which can lead to a fatal outcome. The most dangerous is the withdrawal syndrome caused by prolonged drinking.
Cerebral edema - complications and prognosis
The consequences of cerebral edema may be different. The course and outcome largely depends on the timeliness and adequacy of ongoing resuscitation, in particular, infusion therapy. Of great importance is the underlying disease that caused this pathology.
The danger of this condition is that the edema exerts pressure on other brain structures, which can cause disruption of the work of the centers responsible for maintaining breathing, hemodynamics, etc. Insufficient intake of oxygen into the cells of the brain leads to their defeat.
Stroke is accompanied by the death of brain tissue, which can not be restored even after treatment. Subsequently, stroke and increased intracranial pressure can lead to partial or complete paralysis of the body, leading to disability.
The rapid increase in the effects of wedging as a result of cerebral edema leads to the development of coma and the cessation of breathing.
For the majority of those affected, cerebral edema does not pass unnoticed and can carry distant symptoms. Many of them will later face the following unpleasant consequences:
- disturbances in sleep patterns;
- frequent headaches;
- impaired motor activity;
- communicative disorders;
- depression and others.
The most terrible consequence is the lethal outcome that occurs in connection with the defeat of the vital centers of the brain.
With an insignificant edema of the brain, for example, with its concussion due to a frivolous accident,
Prevention of cerebral edema
To prevent such a dangerous state will help simple rules of safety in everyday life, which include:
- control and maintenance of normal blood pressure;
- rejection of bad habits;
- The use of protective equipment, which will protect against damage to the head.
In the presence of diseases that can lead to edema of the brain, prescribe drugs that prevent the accumulation of excess fluid in the brain tissues.