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Cerebral Oedema

Cerebral oedema is excess fluid within brain tissue that can increase intracranial pressure and compress structures inside the fixed skull.

Dexone

Dexamethasone

0.5mg

Dexone is dexamethasone 0.5mg tablets for inflammation, allergic states and cerebral oedema. A potent synthetic glucocorticoid taken by mouth.

From$0.43/ tabletView

Decadron

Dexamethasone

0.5mg

Dexamethasone 0.5mg tablets, used for inflammatory conditions, allergic states, rheumatoid arthritis and cerebral oedema. A potent synthetic glucocorticoid.

From$0.38/ tabletView

Key points

  • It is a medical emergency caused by conditions such as traumatic injury, stroke, tumour, infection or severe metabolic disturbance.
  • Headache and vomiting may progress to confusion, weakness, seizures, abnormal pupils or reduced consciousness.
  • Treatment differs by cause and may include airway support, osmotic therapy, corticosteroid for selected tumour-related swelling or surgery.

The listings below are not suitable for home treatment; suspected cerebral oedema requires emergency imaging and monitored care.

How the cause is identified

Neurological examination and urgent CT or MRI assess swelling, bleeding, mass effect and hydrocephalus. Blood tests look for sodium, glucose and organ abnormalities. Lumbar puncture can be dangerous when raised intracranial pressure or a mass is suspected and is not performed without appropriate assessment.

Treatment priorities

Care protects oxygenation and blood pressure while addressing the cause. Hypertonic saline or mannitol may temporarily reduce pressure in selected cases. Dexamethasone helps vasogenic oedema around some tumours but is not routine treatment for traumatic brain injury or ischaemic stroke.

When to seek urgent care

Call emergency services for reduced consciousness, a seizure, sudden severe headache, repeated vomiting, new weakness, unequal pupils, confusion or neurological decline after head injury.

Further reading