Emergencies >> Cerebral pressure

Background:

Brain metastases, primary brain tumors (e. g. gliomas) and cerebral non-Hodgkin lymphoma can lead to increased cerebral pressure. Histology of the tumor is important to plan the therapeutic steps.

Symptoms:

Headache, neurologic deficits, confusion

Diagnosis and therapy:

1. Physical exam
2. CT/MRI
3. Neurological consult (if necessary)
4. Biopsy, if possible before cortisone, because the diagnosis may be hindered in NHL!
5. Cortisone (e. g. dexamethasone 40 mg / day)
6. Treatment of the tumor (chemotherapy / radiotherapy)