Cerebral Oedema
Cerebral oedema is brain swelling caused by fluid building up in the brain tissue. Because the skull cannot expand, the pressure inside rises and the swelling becomes serious.
Key points
- Head injuries, infections or tumours may cause cerebral oedema, leading to headache, confusion and vision changes.
- Corticosteroid medicines such as dexamethasone are used to reduce the pressure caused by the swelling.
Common questions about Cerebral Oedema
What is cerebral oedema?
Cerebral oedema is brain swelling that happens when fluid builds up in the tissue of the brain. Because the skull cannot stretch, the extra fluid raises pressure inside the head, which can damage brain function.
Which medicine is listed for cerebral oedema?
Decadron is the one medicine listed for cerebral oedema on this page. It contains Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid that works by reducing the swelling and the pressure that builds up inside the brain.