Which term describes brain swelling causing increased intracranial pressure?

Which term describes brain swelling causing increased intracranial pressure?

• A. Cerebral Edema
• B. Increased ICP
• C. Cheyne-Stokes Respirations
• D. Raccoon Eyes

Answer: (A)

Brain swelling that leads to higher intracranial pressure is cerebral edema. When brain tissue takes on extra fluid, the overall volume inside the skull increases, and because the skull is a fixed space, pressure rises. This elevated intracranial pressure can reduce cerebral perfusion and, if severe, risk brain herniation. The other options describe either the result of that process (increased ICP), a breathing pattern seen with brain injury (Cheyne-Stokes respirations), or a facial-fracture sign (raccoon eyes), none of which define the swelling itself.

Brain swelling that leads to higher intracranial pressure is cerebral edema. When brain tissue takes on extra fluid, the overall volume inside the skull increases, and because the skull is a fixed space, pressure rises. This elevated intracranial pressure can reduce cerebral perfusion and, if severe, risk brain herniation. The other options describe either the result of that process (increased ICP), a breathing pattern seen with brain injury (Cheyne-Stokes respirations), or a facial-fracture sign (raccoon eyes), none of which define the swelling itself.