Brain swelling, also known as cerebral edema, is a condition where fluid builds up around the brain, causing an increase in pressure known as intracranial pressure (ICP) . This pressure can prevent blood from flowing to the brain, which deprives it of the oxygen it needs to function. Swelling can also block other fluids from leaving the brain, making the swelling even worse. Damage or death of brain cells may result.

There are several factors that can cause brain swelling, including:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): A TBI causes damage to the brain. Physical contact and falls can cause the brain to swell. In more severe cases, a TBI can crack the skull and pieces of the skull can rupture blood vessels in the brain and cause swelling.

• Stroke: Some cases of stroke can cause brain swelling, specifically an ischemic stroke. An ischemic stroke occurs when there’s a blood clot near the brain, preventing the brain from receiving blood and oxygen. This can cause brain cells to die and the brain to swell in response to the injury.

• Infection: Some bacteria can cause illnesses and disorders that lead to brain inflammation and swelling, especially if left untreated.

• Tumors: Brain tumors can add pressure to areas of the brain, causing the surrounding brain to swell.

Other causes of brain swelling include high altitude, unhealthy use of drugs, viral infections, carbon monoxide poisoning, and bites from poisonous animals, reptiles, and some marine animals.

The consequences of cerebral edema can be devastating, even fatal, if untreated. It is a difficult condition for doctors to diagnose without proper testing. Diagnosis will depend on the symptoms and the underlying cause. Some common procedures doctors use to diagnose brain swelling include physical exam to detect pain, discomfort, or abnormalities, CT scan to identify the location of the swelling, and head MRI to get a more detailed image of the brain. Timely diagnosis and treatment are the keys to a successful recovery from encephalitis.