Intrakraniell

Intrakraniell is a term used in Swedish medical language to describe something that lies within the skull. It refers to anatomical structures, pathological processes, or interventions located inside the cranium, including brain tissue, the ventricular system, cerebrospinal fluid spaces, and intracranial blood vessels.

Because the skull forms a rigid enclosure, changes in intracranial content—such as swelling, bleeding, tumor growth, or fluid imbalance—can affect intracranial pressure. Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a central concern in neurology and neurosurgery, and sustained high ICP can reduce cerebral perfusion or cause brain herniation if not managed promptly.

Assessment of intracranial conditions relies heavily on neuroimaging such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In critical cases, ICP monitoring or invasive procedures may be employed. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity, ranging from medical management of edema or seizures to surgical interventions like hematoma evacuation, tumor resection, or decompressive craniectomy, as well as procedures to restore cerebrospinal fluid circulation.

Etymology and related terms: intrakraniell derives from intra- meaning within and cranium meaning skull. It is contrasted with extracranial, which denotes structures outside the skull. Within the intracranial space, clinicians use location-specific terms to specify whether pathology lies in brain tissue, the ventricular system, or the surrounding meninges and vessels.