Question

fluid moving into the brain after a traumatic brain injury can result in swelling of the brain. what type of solution(hypertonic, isotonic, hypotonic)would doctors use to relieve the swelling. why. 5 marks

Answer 1

The correct option is Hypertonic solution like Mannitol.

Hypertonic solutions are used in the treatment of cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure as an Osmotherapy. Cerebral edema is an abnormal accumulation of fluid inside the brain mostly after a trauma. These solutions tend to create an osmolar gradient within the blood-brain barrier causing the movement of fluid from the parenchyma to the intravascular space and thus decreasing the intracranial pressure. Blood viscosity also get reduced by the hypertonic solution and it also has it effect on the plasma expansion and cerebral oxygen delivery. This decreases the cerebral blood volume by causing cerebral vasoconstriction.

Hypotonic solutions are contraindicated in such patients because it reduces plamsa osmolality and cause movement of water across the blood- brain barrier that increases the intracranial pressure further.

Isotonic solutions do not have significant affect on patients with cerebral edema.