Cerebral Herniation: Imaging Essentials
A practical radiology review of Cerebral Herniation: Imaging Essentials, focused on imaging findings, differential diagnosis, reporting points, and high-yield teaching pearls.
RadPhrases Editorial Team1 min read
A practical radiology review of Cerebral Herniation: Imaging Essentials, focused on imaging findings, differential diagnosis, reporting points, and high-yield teaching pearls.
Definition & Pathophysiology
- Brain tissue shift across compartments
- ICP ↑ (tumor, edema, hemorrhage) → herniation
- ICP ↓ (CSF loss) → paradoxical herniation
- Monro-Kellie: brain + CSF + blood = constant volume
Classification
- Intracranial
- Subfalcine
- ⬇ Transtentorial (descending: lateral/central)
- ⬆ Transtentorial (ascending)
- ⬇ Tonsillar
- Extracranial (post-craniectomy)
6-Step Radiology Approach
- Clinical context
- Anatomic landmarks
- Mass effect direction
- Displaced structures
- Indirect signs
- Complications
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