Cerebral Oedema
Cerebral oedema means fluid collects abnormally in brain tissue. The skull is a closed space, so pressure can rise and press on vital structures. This is an emergency; the speed of treatment strongly affects the outcome.
Medicine used to treat Cerebral Oedema
Key points
- The skull cannot expand, so extra fluid can raise pressure and compress vital structures.
- Several different injuries and illnesses can set off the swelling.
- Treatment works either by making blood vessels less permeable or by removing surplus fluid.
Causes and triggers
Stroke, traumatic head injury and brain tumours are recognised triggers, as are serious infections, including bacterial meningitis, high-altitude exposure and severe hyponatraemia.
Symptoms and urgent signs
Confusion, vomiting, a seizure, loss of consciousness or a severe headache that starts suddenly all call for emergency assessment at once. These signs suggest pressure inside the skull is rising.
How it is treated
Steroids are used when inflammation drives the swelling or when it surrounds a tumour. Dexamethasone makes blood vessels around the swollen tissue less permeable. Decadron 0.5mg tablets contain dexamethasone and are used in cerebral oedema. Mannitol is an osmotic agent that pulls surplus water from brain tissue; it may be given with steroids or instead of them, depending on the cause. Pharmacy partners in India ship to Malaysia in discreet packaging.
Further reading
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