How to Reduce Brain Swelling

Brain swelling, or cerebral edema, is a condition where fluid builds up in the skull and increases pressure on the brain. It has numerous causes, including head injuries, strokes, and infections. Always seek medical care if you experience severe headaches, confusion, neck pain, or blurred vision, as these symptoms can indicate a cerebral edema.[1] If you do experience brain swelling, the following treatments can help reduce the swelling and lead to your recovery. Since brain swelling is a potentially life-threatening condition, all of the following treatments should be done under the direction and supervision of your doctor.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Taking the Correct Medication

  1. Image titled Reduce Brain Swelling Step 1
    1
    Use over the counter pain relievers to reduce headaches. For minor head injuries that caused minimal swelling and didn’t cause unconsciousness, your doctor may not order any further treatments. Follow your doctor's guidelines and take OTC pain relievers to help with the residual headaches and rest while the injury heals. Always take the medication exactly how your doctor told you to.[2]
    • Always take the exact medication that your doctor tells you to. Depending on what caused your edema, certain medications like Aspirin can make it worse by thinning your blood.
    • Keep your doctor informed if your condition gets any worse, like if you experience increased pain, confusion, dizziness, or nausea.
  2. Image titled Reduce Brain Swelling Step 2
    2
    Take corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation. Corticosteroids are a common treatment for many kinds of swelling and inflammation. They are prescription drugs, so your doctor has to write you a prescription and give you instructions on how to take the correct dosage. Follow the doctor’s directions to use the medication correctly.[3]
    • Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids as a sole treatment for swelling, or after a medical procedure.
    • These drugs are used most often for brain tumors and following surgery.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Reduce Brain Swelling Step 3
    3
    Drain fluid away from the brain with diuretics. Diuretics make you release more urine, draining the overall amount of fluid in your body. They are sometimes used after brain injuries to draw fluid away from the brain and create more room in the skull.[4]
    • Diuretics are usually administered with an IV drip in a hospital setting. If your doctor thinks you’re well enough, they may release you with a prescription diuretic pill. Take them exactly how the doctor orders you to.
  4. Image titled Reduce Brain Swelling Step 4
    4
    Use antibiotics if the swelling is caused by a bacterial infection. Some bacterial infections like meningitis or encephalitis also cause brain swelling. Various antibiotics are used to fight these infections. Doctors will probably administer these drugs in a hospital setting until you’ve healed well enough to go home, and then write you a prescription to continue fighting the infection. Always finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if you're feeling better, to ensure that all the bacteria dies off.[5]
    • If your antibiotics are causing severe side effects, call your doctor to ask if you can switch to an alternative medication. However, don't stop taking the antibiotic without checking with your doctor first.
    • Antibiotics commonly cause stomach upset, so try taking them with a meal or light snack like crackers to prevent adverse side effects. Don't do this if your doctor tells you to take the medicine on an empty stomach.
    • Your doctor may try a few different antibiotics to see which one fights the infection best.
    • Remember that bacterial infections are communicable diseases, so limit your contact with other people until you’ve healed and can no longer infect others.
    • Viral infections can also cause brain swelling, but antibiotics are not effective in fighting these conditions. Doctors will probably treat these infections with corticosteroids, fluids, and antivirals.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Receiving Medical Procedures

  1. Image titled Reduce Brain Swelling Step 5
    1
    Conduct a controlled hyperventilation to decrease the brain’s volume. Your doctor may be able to temporarily reduce brain swelling using a hyperventilation treatment. During the treatment, your medical team will induce hyperventilation by pumping more oxygen into your body, causing you to exhale more than you inhale. This burns off more carbon dioxide and reduces blood flow to the brain, decreasing the pressure in your skull.[6]
    • During the treatment, you'll be intubated so you're able to receive more oxygen.
    • This treatment is typically used when your brain swelling is caused by trauma, and the results are temporary.
    • If hyperventilation is successful in reducing the swelling, the doctor may still send you home with a prescription for corticosteroids or keep you in the hospital for observation.
  2. Image titled Reduce Brain Swelling Step 6
    2
    Have an osmotherapy treatment to draw fluid away from the brain. Osmotherapy uses drugs to draw fluids away from the brain. This reduces the pressure in your skull by shrinking your brain. This sounds like a scary procedure, but it is not invasive and is administered with a normal IV drip. Osmotherapy has been used to treat brain swelling since the 1960s.[7]
    • Osmotherapy is a common treatment for brain swelling related to injuries, strokes, and infections.
    • Some researchers have recently questioned how effective osmotherapy is for edema patients. Your doctor may only use this option in very specific circumstances.[8]
  3. Image titled Reduce Brain Swelling Step 7
    3
    Drain fluid out of the skull with a catheter. This is a more invasive option, but doesn't cause lasting pain or side effects. Surgeons will insert a drain or catheter into the skull through a very small hole behind your ear. This draws fluid out of the skull cavity to create more room for the brain. The drain is temporary and will be removed when you recover.[9]
    • This is a common treatment for people who have bleeding on the brain from an injury or stroke. It is usually a last resort before performing surgery.

    Variation: You might get a permanent shunt with a catheter if you have a chronic brain swelling condition, such as hydrocephalus. Your catheter will drain the excess fluid away from your brain and down into your abdomen where it can be reabsorbed by your body.[10]

  4. Image titled Reduce Brain Swelling Step 8
    4
    Have a surgical window made in your skull. The final option to treat brain swelling is surgically removing a small part of the skull. This opens up more room for the brain and reduces pressure in the skull cavity. Again, this sounds scary, but it's a normal treatment for brain swelling that doesn't have lasting complications. Once your condition improves, surgeons will replace the piece of skull so you don’t have a permanent hole.[11]
    • This is a common treatment for people who have experienced serious head injuries or have an active bleed that surgeons can't control.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Caring for the Injury at Home

  1. Image titled Reduce Brain Swelling Step 9
    1
    Tilt the end of your bed up so your head is elevated. Elevating the head about 30 degrees up is ideal for draining fluids away from the brain. In the hospital, nurses will probably set your bed at this angle. Continue doing this at home, either by piling pillows under the neck or getting an adjustable bed.[12]
    • Ask your doctor how long you have to continue this treatment.
    • Keep your head elevated if you’re laying on the couch as well. Use pillows to angle your head up.
  2. Image titled Reduce Brain Swelling Step 10
    2
    Eat omega-3 fatty acids to help your brain repair itself. Omega-3s help your body repair itself and prevent inflammation. They can also improve brain function to help you through the recovery process. If you’re recovering from brain swelling, increase your intake of these nutrients to help speed your recovery.[13] [14]
    • The official daily recommendation for omega-3s is 1.1 g for women and 1.6 g for men.
    • Good sources of omega-3s are fatty fish like salmon and sardines, nuts, seeds, plant oils, and fortified dairy products like eggs, milk, and yogurt.[15]
  3. Image titled Reduce Brain Swelling Step 11
    3
    Limit your intake of saturated fats. In contrast to omega-3s, saturated fats increase swelling and inflammation in the body. Increased inflammation could do further damage if you’re recovering from cerebral edema. Cut saturated fats out of your diet while you recover.[16]
    • Processed foods, fast food, candy, sugary drinks, and red meat are all high in saturated fats. Replace these foods with fresh, non-processed options.
  4. Image titled Reduce Brain Swelling Step 12
    4
    Do light cardiovascular exercises if you’re able to. Light exercise like walking on a treadmill, jogging, or swimming has a positive effect on the healing process.[17] When your doctor says you’re healthy enough, start incorporating physical activity into your routine. Aim for 30 minutes of light exercise every day for the best results.[18]
    • Only exercise if your doctor tells you it’s safe. Physical activity before you’re fully healed is dangerous and could delay your recovery.
    • If you’re recovering from a brain condition, avoid any activities that could injure your head. Biking and contact sports are very dangerous after you’ve had a brain injury.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

  • Question
    Is exercise good for brain inflammation?
    Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN
    Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN
    Board Certified Brain Health Physician
    Michael D. Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN, is an expert on nutritional interventions for brain health, particularly the prevention and rehabilitation of brain injury. In 2012 upon retiring as a Colonel after 31 years in the U.S. Army, he founded the nonprofit Brain Health Education and Research Institute. He is in private practice in Potomac, Maryland, and is the author of "When Brains Collide: What every athlete and parent should know about the prevention and treatment of concussions and head injuries." He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed post-graduate training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University, and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Dr. Lewis is board certified and a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine and American College of Nutrition.
    Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN
    Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN
    Board Certified Brain Health Physician
    Expert Answer
    Yes, light cardio exercise can help your brain heal. For instance, you might try walking or swimming. Just check with your doctor first.
  • Question
    What is the best food for your brain?
    Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN
    Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN
    Board Certified Brain Health Physician
    Michael D. Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN, is an expert on nutritional interventions for brain health, particularly the prevention and rehabilitation of brain injury. In 2012 upon retiring as a Colonel after 31 years in the U.S. Army, he founded the nonprofit Brain Health Education and Research Institute. He is in private practice in Potomac, Maryland, and is the author of "When Brains Collide: What every athlete and parent should know about the prevention and treatment of concussions and head injuries." He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed post-graduate training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University, and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Dr. Lewis is board certified and a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine and American College of Nutrition.
    Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN
    Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN
    Board Certified Brain Health Physician
    Expert Answer
    Eat Omega-3 fatty acids for your brain health. They can help your brain repair itself. Good sources of Omega-3s include salmon, sardines, nuts, seeds, and plant oils.
  • Question
    How do you treat cerebral edema?
    Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN
    Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN
    Board Certified Brain Health Physician
    Michael D. Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN, is an expert on nutritional interventions for brain health, particularly the prevention and rehabilitation of brain injury. In 2012 upon retiring as a Colonel after 31 years in the U.S. Army, he founded the nonprofit Brain Health Education and Research Institute. He is in private practice in Potomac, Maryland, and is the author of "When Brains Collide: What every athlete and parent should know about the prevention and treatment of concussions and head injuries." He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed post-graduate training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University, and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Dr. Lewis is board certified and a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine and American College of Nutrition.
    Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN
    Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN
    Board Certified Brain Health Physician
    Expert Answer
    That's something that needs to be evaluated in an emergency room. Then, I'd immediately increase the person's uptake of omega-3 fatty acids—that will help the brain resolve the inflammation more quickly.
Advertisement

Warnings

  • Always seek medical care if you've hit your head, as you may have a concussion. While concussions are common, they can also be serious and may lead to cumulative damage. Your doctor can help you get the treatment you need to recover.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Remember that swelling of the brain is a serious condition that requires medical attention right away. Stay in contact with your doctor and visit the hospital if your condition worsens.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽


Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Stop Brain Zaps
How to
Stop Brain Zaps
Increase Your Brain Power
How to
Increase Your Brain Power
Test Dopamine Levels
How to
Test Dopamine Levels
Improve Your Frontal Lobe FunctionHow to Improve Your Frontal Lobe Function
Increase Dopamine Sensitivity
How to
Increase Dopamine Sensitivity
Activate the Parasympathetic Nervous SystemThe Best Ways to Stimulate the Parasympathetic Nervous System
Get a Brain Scan
How to
Get a Brain Scan
Identify CSF Rhinorrhea
How to
Identify CSF Rhinorrhea
Test Serotonin LevelsHow Doctors Test for Serotonin: Everything You Need to Know
Deal When You Have a Chemical Imbalance
How to
Deal When You Have a Chemical Imbalance
Increase Acetylcholine
How to
Increase Acetylcholine
Prevent ConfusionHow to Prevent Confusion
Increase GABA
How to
Increase GABA
Understand the Four Main Parts of the Brain
How to
Understand the Four Main Parts of the Brain
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/home/decision-support-in-medicine/imaging/cerebral-edema/
  2. ↑ https://familydoctor.org/condition/traumatic-brain-injury/?adfree=true
  3. ↑ https://brainfoundation.org.au/images/stories/applicant_essays/2012_essays/Cerebral_Oedema_-_Turner.pdf
  4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378561
  5. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html
  6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4923559/
  7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4923559/#bib30
  8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22955195
  9. ↑ https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Traumatic-Brain-Injury
  1. ↑ https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Hydrocephalus-Fact-Sheet
  2. ↑ https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Traumatic-Brain-Injury
  3. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4923559/
  4. ↑ Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN. Board Certified Brain Health Physician. Expert Interview. 18 February 2021.
  5. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3225186/
  6. ↑ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/
  7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3225186/
  8. ↑ Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN. Board Certified Brain Health Physician. Expert Interview. 18 February 2021.
  9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3225186/

About This Article

Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN
Co-authored by:
Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN
Board Certified Brain Health Physician
This article was co-authored by Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN. Michael D. Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN, is an expert on nutritional interventions for brain health, particularly the prevention and rehabilitation of brain injury. In 2012 upon retiring as a Colonel after 31 years in the U.S. Army, he founded the nonprofit Brain Health Education and Research Institute. He is in private practice in Potomac, Maryland, and is the author of "When Brains Collide: What every athlete and parent should know about the prevention and treatment of concussions and head injuries." He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed post-graduate training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University, and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Dr. Lewis is board certified and a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine and American College of Nutrition. This article has been viewed 10,139 times.
2 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: August 3, 2022
Views: 10,139
Categories: Nervous System Health

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Advertisement