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Brain edema is a serious condition that occurs when there’s excess fluid in the brain. The fluid causes pressure to build up inside the skull, which can damage the brain tissue and affect its function. Brain edema is a life-threatening condition because it can lead to severe complications, such as seizures, coma or death if left untreated. Brain edema needs immediate medical attention.
At Neuro Injury Specialists in New York and New Jersey, you find a team of medical professionals who can diagnose and treat brain edema effectively. These physicians can help you with pain management and recovery. Dr. Mark Cohen is a neurologist, Dr. Dmitriy Dvoskin is a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, and Dr, Leon Reyfman is a brain injury specialist and anesthesiologist. Together, they offer a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan to heal your injury.
Hematomas are bruises on the brain that cause blood to pool and collect in the skull. Hematomas in the brain cause brain edema and are usually caused by trauma to the head, such as from a car accident, a fall, a sports injury or an assault. But some hematomas can also occur spontaneously, without any obvious injury.
There are factors that increase the risk of spontaneous hematomas in the brain. For example, high blood pressure weakens the walls of the blood vessels in the brain and makes them more prone to rupture.
Other risk factors include:
Brain edema and hematomas lead to various signs and symptoms, some of which are seen in other types of brain injuries. A hematoma brings on a headache that gets worse over time or doesn’t go away.
You may also experience drowsiness and loss of consciousness as the hematoma progresses.
Seek immediate medical attention for hematomas if you experience symptoms after a blow to the head, such as:
Brain edema can cause irreversible damage to the brain and lead to life-threatening complications. Herniation of the brain is a condition where the brain tissue is pushed out of its normal position due to increased pressure inside the skull. It compresses the brain stem, which controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate, and results in coma or death.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a condition where the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord accumulates and causes chronic pressure on the brain. It can lead to symptoms such as headache, weakness, incontinence and difficulty walking.
Other complications include:
Treatment for brain edema and hematomas can be done with drugs to reduce the swelling, inflammation or bleeding in the brain. It can also involve surgery to remove part of the skull or the hematoma to relieve the pressure on the brain and prevent permanent brain damage.
A craniotomy is an often-used surgical procedure that involves making an opening in the skull and removing the hematoma or the tumor that’s causing the brain edema. It also allows the brain to expand and reduce intracranial pressure.
For effective treatment, your neurosurgeon may deploy a combination of treatments including:
Brain edema and hematomas are serious conditions that can cause severe and lasting damage to the brain or cause death. But with prompt diagnosis and treatment, they can be managed effectively. Neuro Injury Specialists in New York and New Jersey have the expertise and experience to provide you with the best care for hematomas and other traumatic brain injuries. Contact this practice for a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan.