Brain herniation

Alternative names:

cerebellar herniation; herniation of the brain; herniation syndrome; transtentorial herniation; uncal herniation

Symptoms:

• reduced alertness (decreased consciousness) getting worse (progressive)
• coma or loss of consciousness
• irregular breathing pattern
• respiratory arrest (no breathing)
• irregular pulse
• sensations of feeling the heart beat (palpitations) with an irregular pattern
• cardiac arrest (no pulse)
• eyes, pupils different size

Signs and tests:

Eye examination may show CN III dysfunction (see cranial mononeuropathy III; compression type) , including paralysis of the eye muscles (causing the eyes to deviate) and eyelid drooping, and a dilated, unresponsive pupil of one eye prior to development of progressive coma. Papilledema (swelling of the optic nerve) may be visible on examination of the eyes. Other signs of increased intracranial pressure are often present. Signs of obstructive hydrocephalus may precede brain herniation in some cases.