Brain Swelling, Part 1

In much the same way that any other part of the body can swell when hit by an external force, so can the brain. Brain swelling, like swelling of other parts of the body, is often called “edema.” Swelling, or edema, is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in what are referred to as the “interstitium.” These are areas below the skin or in other cavities of the body. The fluid bathes the surrounding cells. In the case of the brain, the fluid is generally referred to as cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF). It bathes the brain and also provides a layer of protection against external blows to avoid traumatic brain injury. When there is an excess of cerebro-spinal fluid there occurs an abnormal accumulation of fluid in and around the brain, which causes an expansion of its size and consequent swelling.

Although the brain is cushioned by several layers of protection, including the skull and the cerebro-spinal fluid, a sufficiently hard blow to the outside of the head can cause the brain to swell. Swelling of other parts of the body often manifest themselves quickly and usually can be treated easily, such as by applying ice, resting, elevating the affected part of the body or by some other fairly simple remedy. However, swelling of the brain is far more complex. The complexity results, in part, from the fact that the brain is not visible from the exterior of the head, the cause of the swelling may not be immediately ascertainable and because the brain controls all other bodily functions. And because it does control all other bodily functions, it is sometimes difficult to quickly narrow down the source of the bodily malfunction to the brain injury or swelling. A further complicating factor is that the skull, intended to protect the brain, fits snugly around it and does not leave much room for the brain to swell. Therefore, if the brain swells, it can be to an extent that the brain becomes irritated by the inside of the skull. Brain swelling can, and often does, have far-reaching and potentially grave consequences.

Brain swelling can result from causes other than external insult. Some of them include:

• Ischemic stroke, which is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is blocked by a clot[1].
• Cancer;
• Meningitis;
• Encephalitis, which is itself an inflammation of the brain is usually caused by a virus;
• Tumors, which are growths on or in the brain. As the tumor develops, it can exert pressure against other parts of the brain. Depending upon where the pressure is exerted, different symptoms can result. For example, some types of tumors can prevent the drainage of cerebro-spinal fluid from the brain, thereby causing brain swelling;
• Subdural empyema, which is essentially an infection within the brain, usually on one side only. Over time, it tends to act like an expanding mass lesion on the brain. Cerebral edema and hydrocephalus (“water on the brain”) may also attend this condition and result in increased intracranial pressure[2].

Proper and timely post-acute rehabilitation and care that may determine the difference between disability and independence is what NeuLife refers to as the “platinum post-acute period”— the crucial window following acute care that is needed to nurture the whole person to health with specialized, clinically relevant services.

NeuLife’s philosophy is that healing, wellness and personal fulfillment are best accomplished in a positive and uplifting therapeutic environment where caring staff encourage, assist and support each client so that he or she may achieve specific goals. NeuLife believes personal fulfillment is equally as important as goals to increase function and independence. NeuLife seeks to achieve, for all of its clients, maximized, sustained outcomes that exceed the expectations of all persons served.

NeuLife, in Mount Dora, Florida, is a fully accessible specialized residential post-acute program providing specialized rehabilitation to individuals diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic amputations and other catastrophic injuries.

2725 Robie Avenue
Mount Dora, Florida 32757
Call: 800.626.3836
Email: Info@NeuLifeRehab.com
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