Intrakraniala

Intrakraniala, commonly translated as intracranial, designates anything within the skull, including brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid. The term is used in medicine to describe normal anatomy as well as pathological processes inside the cranial cavity.

Anatomy and physiology: The cranial vault contains brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood. Because the skull is a fixed space, increases in one component raise intracranial pressure unless offset by compensatory mechanisms. The Monro-Kellie doctrine describes this balance; normal ICP is about 0-15 mmHg in adults.

Common intracranial conditions include hemorrhages (epidural, subdural, intracerebral), stroke, brain tumors, and hydrocephalus. Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis, traumatic brain injury, and vascular malformations can also disrupt intracranial homeostasis. Any condition that raises ICP or impairs perfusion risks brain injury.

Diagnosis relies on imaging: CT in emergencies, MRI for detail. In selected cases, intracranial pressure monitoring informs management. Lumbar puncture is avoided if raised ICP is suspected due to herniation risk.

Management aims to control ICP, optimize cerebral perfusion, and treat the underlying condition. General measures include airway support, oxygenation, and pain control; osmotherapy with hypertonic saline or mannitol; seizure prophylaxis when indicated; fever management. Neurosurgical interventions may evacuate hematomas, remove tumors, repair malformations, or place shunts or perform decompressive craniectomy.

Prognosis depends on etiology and rapidity of treatment. Prevention focuses on injury avoidance and risk factor management to reduce intracranial emergencies.