# Cerebral Edema --- **Cerebral edema** is a swelling, or [[edema]], in the tissue of the [[brain]]. The problem because there is only so much room inside the skull, which ends up increasing the [[intercranial pressure]] which is...bad. ## Causes A lot of time cerebral edema can by a bleed or an electrolyte imbalance causing fluid to enter the intercranial space. - [[traumatic brain injury]] - [[stroke]] - [[pathogen|infection]] - [[cancer|tumor]] - [[acute liver failure|ALF]] ## Signs & Symptoms Late, severe signs of increased intercranial pressure are called **Cushing's triad** of: - systolic hypertension - bradycardia - irregular respirations [[headache]] [[dizziness]] [[nausea]] lack of coordination numbness ## Diagnosing Cerebral Edema physical exam [[x-ray|CT scan]] [[imaging|MRI]] blood test ## Treatment Medication **Osmotherapy** - giving high-salt saline diuretics hyperventilation hypothermia therapy ventriculostomy surgery We want to keep ICP low but CPP, or cerebral perfusion pressure high enough. It's a delicate balance ## Nursing Considerations - Keep head of bed elevated to 30 degrees - Try to keep stimulation to a minimum. ___