Local Shift of the Brain and Its Relation to the Tentorial Edge

Abstract

During expansion of a supratentorial mass lesion, it is important to analyze the local brain shift together with the intracranial pressure (ICP). Differences in intracranial shift, caused by tissue pressure gradients and local tissue plastic properties, play an essential role in the functional dynamics within the cranium and the formation of hernias. A local shift of the brain stem, which is associated with transtentorial herniation, has direct effects on brain stem function. This study was designed to examine the mutual relations between local shift of the brain stem, the change in brain stem function and transtentorial herniation during the process of gradual expansion of an intracerebral balloon.