often dizzy? don't underestimate it, it could be Cerebral Edema or Swelling of the brain.

Cerebral edema occurs due to a buildup of fluid in the brain. Which causes an increase in pressure known as intracranial pressure. Swelling or inflammation is part of the body's natural response to injury.

Edema refers to swelling due to trapped fluid, and it can occur anywhere in the body. However, if edema occurs in the brain, it can cause severe complications. In fact, swelling of the brain can limit blood supply to the brain. Blood carries oxygen to the brain that the brain needs to function. Lack of oxygen in the brain can damage brain cells or cause them to die.

Intracranial pressure can affect certain brain regions or the whole brain depending on the underlying cause. Cerebral edema can cause permanent damage which in some cases can be fatal.

There are conditions that are classified as severe and do not get treatment, swelling of the brain can cause death.

Causes of Brain Swelling

Swelling of the brain occurs due to excess fluid in the brain. The emergence of the fluid itself is the body's natural response when experiencing interference. Some conditions that can cause the disorder, including:

-          Ischemic stroke.

-          Brain hemorrhage.

-          Infections, such as meningitis, encephalitis, or toxoplasmosis.

-          Brain tumor.

-          Head injury.

-          Air pressure drops at height.

Symptoms of Brain Swelling

Swelling of the brain can cause different symptoms in each person. Symptoms that appear include:

-          Dizzy.

-          Movement disorders, such as neck pain, difficulty moving.

-          Numb.

-          Nausea.

-          Headache.

There are also further symptoms that indicate that the swelling is worsening. See a doctor immediately if the following symptoms occur:

-          Difficulty speaking.

-          Change of consciousness.

-          Convulsions.

-          Memory loss.

-          Urinary incontinence.

-          Limp.

The symptoms will vary depending on the severity and cause of the swelling. Brain swelling can have a variety of different causes, including:

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury is acute trauma, such as a fall or a vehicle accident.

Ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke occurs when blood clots restrict the flow of oxygen to the brain. Lack of oxygen can damage brain cells and cause swelling and pressure.

Brain tumor

Brain tumors can compress other areas of the brain or prevent fluid from coming out of the brain which causes an increase in pressure.

Infection

Infection caused by bacteria or viruses can cause swelling in the brain. For example, encephalitis is an infection that causes inflammation in the brain, and an increase in pressure as a result.

Cerebral hemorrhage

Brain bleeding occurs when blood vessels in the brain burst and leak. This causes inflammation and increased pressure in the brain.

Height

Cerebral edema can also occur above an altitude of around 4,000 meters.

Diagnosis of Brain Swelling

The process of diagnosis in each patient can be different, adjusted for symptoms that arise and the alleged cause of brain swelling. The doctor will also conduct an examination of the patient's history and overall health condition.

There are several tests that are used to diagnose brain swelling, including:

-          CT scan and MRI. This test is done to detect swelling.

-          Blood test. This test is done to find out the cause of brain swelling.

Cerebral edema requires immediate medical attention to reduce the risk of permanent damage or death. Treatment will vary depending on the severity and cause of the swelling. Some possible treatments are:

Liquid administration.

This method aims to prevent blood pressure from falling too far. That way, the brain receives an adequate supply of blood.

Drug

The doctor will use drugs to reduce swelling or blood clots. Examples include warfarin, which thins the blood and reduces the possibility of blood clots. In some cases, doctors may recommend aspirin, but current guidelines no longer recommend this for most people, because of the risk of bleeding.

Surgery

In severe cases, surgery may be needed to reduce internal pressure. Surgery can be done by removing the skull and repair damage, such as broken blood vessels. Ventriculostomy is another possible procedure. This involves inserting a plastic tube into the skull to drain excess fluid and reduce swelling.

Installation of breathing apparatus.

The breathing machine regulates the patient's breathing so that more carbon dioxide is released by the body.

Ventriculostomy.

This procedure requires an incision and a hole in the head, which then becomes the pathway to enter the device that functions to drain excess fluid from the brain.

Hypothermia

This form of therapy involves a decrease in body temperature, which can reduce swelling in the brain.

Osmotherapy

Osmotherapy involves the use of drugs to expel water from the brain to help increase blood flow to the brain and reduce swelling.

Prevention of Brain Swelling

Prevention must be adjusted according to existing risk factors. In general, brain swelling can be avoided by preventing severe collisions that can cause head injuries. The following efforts can also be made to prevent brain swelling:

-          Avoid smoking.

-          Use safety equipment and personal protective equipment, such as helmets or seat belts when driving.

-          Perform regular blood and heart pressure checks. The doctor will recommend steps that can be taken to maintain heart health and blood pressure.

-          When traveling to the highlands, for example climbing mountains, stop at a certain height and let the body adapt first to the pressure at that altitude.

so from now on don't ever underestimate a headache. but don't panic too if you have a headache, don't diagnose yourself right away. see your doctor if your headache cannot be treated with ordinary headache medication. see your doctor if your headache continues for a long period of time. do not be late, because prevention is better than cure.

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