Subfalcine

Subfalcine refers to a specific type of brain herniation. It occurs when a portion of brain tissue is displaced under the falx cerebri, a fold of dura mater that separates the two cerebral hemispheres. This displacement is typically caused by a unilateral mass effect, such as a tumor, hemorrhage, or significant swelling on one side of the brain. The falx cerebri acts as a rigid barrier, and when pressure builds on one side, the brain can be forced to slide underneath this structure into the opposite hemisphere.

The primary symptom of subfalcine herniation can vary depending on the size and location of the herniation, as well as the underlying cause. However, it can lead to neurological deficits. For instance, compression of the anterior cerebral artery, which often runs near the falx, can result in motor and sensory deficits in the leg on the affected side. While subfalcine herniation is a serious condition, it is generally considered less immediately life-threatening than other forms of brain herniation, such as transtentorial or tonsillar herniation, which involve displacement of brain tissue into the brainstem. Diagnosis is usually made through neuroimaging techniques like CT scans or MRI. Treatment focuses on reducing the intracranial pressure and addressing the underlying cause of the herniation.