Hjerneforskyvning

Hjerneforskyvning, also known as brain shift, refers to the displacement of brain tissue that can occur during or after neurosurgery. This phenomenon is primarily observed in procedures involving the removal of tumors or other lesions that create a void within the cranial cavity. The pressure gradients within the skull can change significantly as the lesion is removed, leading to a shift in the brain's position.

This brain shift can complicate surgical procedures by altering the surgeon's intraoperative view of the anatomy. Pre-operative imaging, such as MRI scans, may no longer accurately represent the brain's current position once the shift has occurred. This discrepancy can lead to challenges in accurately targeting remaining tumor tissue or avoiding critical structures.

Several factors can influence the degree of brain shift, including the size and location of the lesion, the duration of the surgery, and the patient's physiological state, such as blood pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Techniques have been developed to mitigate the effects of brain shift. These include intraoperative imaging using advanced navigation systems that can update the anatomical map in real-time, or using techniques that maintain intracranial pressure to minimize displacement. Understanding and managing brain shift is an important aspect of modern neurosurgical practice to ensure optimal patient outcomes.