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

• Cardiac arrest (no pulse)
• Coma
• Lethargy
• Loss of all brainstem reflexes (blinking, gagging, pupils reacting to light)
• Loss of consciousness
• Respiratory arrest (no breathing)

Patients with a brain herniation have:

• High blood pressure
• Irregular breathing
• Irregular pulse
• Slow pulse

A brain and nervous system (neurological) exam shows changes in alertness (consciousness). Depending on the severity of the herniation and the part of the brain that is being pressed on, there will be problems with one or more brain-related reflexes and nerve functions.

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)