After suffering a blow to the head, it is not uncommon for brain injury or damage to follow. This often happens as a result of brain swelling.
Brain swelling can have numerous impacts on a victim’s overall health and wellness. In some cases, it can even lead to death.
Relieving pressure
Mayo Clinic discusses encephalitis, or the swelling of the brain. This can happen due to many reasons, such as infection or injury.
In the event of injury, brain swelling may happen when the brain hits the interior of the skull. Sometimes the swelling happens in a contained way, without too much damage. Other times, the swelling may continue to the point that the skull must get drilled into in order to relieve some of the building pressure.
Damage resulting from unchecked swelling
If the brain presses too strongly into the skull, or remains that way for too long, it can cut off blood and oxygen supply. This can kill brain cells in the area, which can lead to permanent brain damage.
Brain swelling can even threaten a victim’s life. It is possible for a victim to end up losing crucial parts of their brain via cell death or lack of oxygen. It can lead to areas of the brain shutting down, which may in turn shut down systems that control the lungs, heart, blood pressure, hormone regulation, or more.
Brain swelling does not always manifest in easy-to-identify signs. Thus, it is important for anyone who suffered from a head injury to seek medical attention. Only a proper examination can reveal other issues like swelling of the brain.
