Ajuherniatsioon

Ajuherniatsioon, also known as brain herniation, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when increased intracranial pressure forces brain tissue to move across rigid structures within the skull. This displacement can compress vital brain structures, leading to severe neurological deficits and potentially death. The primary causes of brain herniation include severe head trauma, brain tumors, stroke, and bleeding in the brain.

There are several types of brain herniation, classified by the direction of displacement. Transtentorial herniation involves the downward movement of the temporal lobe through the tentorium cerebelli, compressing the brainstem and cranial nerves. Subfalcine herniation occurs when the cingulate gyrus is pushed across the falx cerebri. Tonsillar herniation, also known as foramen magnum herniation, involves the cerebellar tonsils moving into the foramen magnum, compressing the brainstem. Uncal herniation is a specific type of transtentorial herniation where the uncus of the temporal lobe herniates.

Symptoms of brain herniation can vary depending on the type and severity but often include changes in consciousness, dilated pupils, abnormal posturing, and respiratory distress. The diagnosis is typically made through clinical examination and confirmed with neuroimaging techniques such as CT scans or MRI. Treatment aims to reduce intracranial pressure and address the underlying cause. This may involve medications to decrease swelling, surgical interventions to relieve pressure, or drainage of cerebrospinal fluid. Early recognition and prompt management are crucial for improving outcomes.