Brain herniation

Brain herniation, also referred to as acquired intracranial herniation, refers to shift of brain tissue from its normal location, into an adjacent space as a result of mass effect. It is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis. 

Pathology

There are a number of different patterns of brain herniation that describe the type of herniation occurring:

• subfalcine herniation

• transalar herniation: ascending and descending

• transtentorial herniation

  • downward: uncal herniation and central herniation

  • upward: ascending transtentorial herniation

• tonsillar herniation

• extracranial (transcalvarial) herniation

• paradoxical brain herniation

Etiology

Any intracranial mass can have this effect:

• intracranial hemorrhage

  • extradural hemorrhage

  • subdural hemorrhage

  • intracerebral hemorrhage

• cerebral swelling

  • cerebral infarction

  • peritumoural or periabscess edema

• tumors

  • brain tumors

  • meningioma

  • base of skull tumors

  • suprasellar tumors

• cerebral abscess

See also

• Kernohan phenomenon