Brain Herniation Cheatsheet

This nursing cheatsheet will help you learn about Brain Herniation, a critical and often fatal condition. Brain herniation occurs when brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid increases in volume, leading to elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). This pressure pushes part of the brain across structures within the skull. A common form of herniation is when brain tissue is compressed and squeezes through the foramen magnum at the skull base, causing severe damage to the brainstem, which controls vital functions like breathing. This can lead to brain death. Increased ICP can result from causes like cerebral edema, hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, hypertension, or a tumor. Monitoring and controlling ICP is crucial to prevent neuron damage, herniation, and subsequent brain death. Symptoms of impending herniation include altered consciousness, pupil changes, abnormal reflexes, posturing, seizures, and Cushing's triad (abnormal respirations, wide pulse pressure, bradycardia)​​​​​​.