A brain herniation is when brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood vessels are moved or pressed away from their usual position inside the skull.

Herniation syndrome; Transtentorial herniation; Uncal herniation; Subfalcine herniation; Tonsillar herniation; Herniation - brain

Brain herniation occurs when something inside the skull produces pressure that moves brain tissues. This is most often the result of brain swelling from a head injury, stroke, or brain tumor.

Brain herniation is the most common side effect of tumors in the brain, including:

• Metastatic brain tumor
• Primary brain tumor

Herniation of the brain can also be caused by other factors that lead to increased pressure inside the skull, including:

• Abscess
• Hemorrhage
• Hydrocephalus
• Strokes that cause brain swelling

Brain herniation can occur:

• Between areas inside the skull, such as those separated by a rigid membrane like the tentorium or falx
• Through a natural opening at the base of the skull called the foramen magnum
• Through openings created during brain surgery

Images

Brain

Brain hernia

Review Date: 09/13/2010
Reviewed By: Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)