The brain is naturally balanced between the left and the right hemispheres.
The spinal cord emerges at the middle-base of the brain and continues down the center of the back.
It is a concerning sign after head trauma.
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Midline Shift and Intracranial Pressure
The brain maintains a natural pressure level at all times.
Head traumacan immediately and significantly increaseintracranial pressure(ICP).
This is considered a medical emergency and is an ominous sign.
Diagnosis
The most common test to identify a midline shift is the CT scan.
The locations of these three brain structures serve as reference points on a radiologic scan.
Antibiotics are used to treat infection and steroids may be used to decrease inflammation and swelling.
Prognosis
A number of studies have examined the effects of midline shift on long-term outcomes.
The greater the midline shift, the more serious the complications and the greater the risk of death.
It typically aligns with the midline of the body.
A midline shift is when the natural centerline of the brain is pushed to the right or left.
When the midline of the brain shifts, it indicates a significant increase in pressure in the brain.
A midline brain shift is considered a medical emergency.
Yes, people can survive a midline shift if the cause is relieved promptly.
However, there is a possibility of long-term brain damage depending on the specific cause.
The greater the midline shift, the more likely it could cause lasting problems.
Munakomi S, M Das J.Intracranial pressure monitoring.
[Updated 2019 Sep 10].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan.
Haydel MJ, Burns B.Blunt head trauma.
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
2014;18(6):676. doi:10.1186/s13054-014-0676-9
