Brain swelling or edema is one of the types of 'what we call secondary, mechanisms of brain damage, which commonly occur following an acquired brain injury. While the primary mechanisms of damage occur immediately at the moment of the injury, secondary mechanisms of damage tend to occur later and may be due to bleeding from damaged blood vessels (hemorrhage), and/or increased pressure within the brain (intracranial pressure) as the brain swells with fluid (edema or hydrocephalus) or blood.

Control of intracranial pressure depends on intensive monitoring and control of every bodily function; this requires around-the-clock attention and usually takes place in an intensive care unit. It is usually necessary to control breathing by a machine called a ventilator or respirator. Very strong medications are given to temporarily paralyze the head injured person, and even deepen his level of unconsciouness, in order to control his breathing, blood pressure and other vital functions.

Too many times the most heroic efforts to control intracranial pressure fail, and the head injured person dies. As stated above, the presence of multiple injuries complicates the management of brain swelling and adds the risk of dying from other causes.

Brain swelling and bruising may occur following a violent force to the skull. The head the brain will "bounce" off the inside of the skull. This can cause nerve shearing as well as the swelling and bruising of nerve tissue. The swelling can create pressure inside of the head, which may in turn lead to compression of vital blood vessels.

Hyperbaric Oxygen can help reduce brain swelling in different disorders, Stroke, T.B.I., and other disorders where swelling, edema, and inflammation is a problem. Drugs can reduce this swelling, however there is the need to supply the brain with needed oxygen. HBOT is helpful in reducing brain swelling by causing the vessels to contract. Once the extra fluid around the brain cells is drained away, the cells can function more effectively.

Swelling is very common post-operatively, so you will most likely have swelling to some degree. It is not uncommon for the swelling to migrate downward, to your abdominal area, as well as the groin area. This is nothing to be alarmed about, as the swelling will dissipate within a few days to a few weeks. It's unadvisable to take diuretics without getting permission to do so from your plastic surgeon.

People with serious forms of anxiety demonstrate chronic over-activity in the areas of the brain associated with fear or nervousness. An inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyricacid (GABA) works in these areas to diminish this excessive nerve cell activity. There is evidence that benzodiazepines cause an increase in the activity of GABA, thereby returning the system to a normal level and reducing the associated symptoms of anxiety.

After total knee replacement surgery, patients can have swelling up to around 2 to 3 months and bruising can be down the leg.

Knowing these things will help your doctor make a diagnosis. If your joints are tender and swollen and the muscles are weak, this will also help your doctor confirm whether you have arthritis. You may also have X-rays to check your joints for damage. Your doctor may want to do blood tests or other tests to see if there are other causes for your pain.

Swelling in the hands can be due to the heat and keeping your hands below the level of your heart. The heat causes your distant blood vessels to dilate in an attempt to cool the blood going to your heart and brain. Walking with your hands below your waist also can cause your hands to swell. Work on keeping your hands relaxed and your elbows at 90 degrees as you walk. Occasionally lift your hands at chest level and pump your fists.

Swollen feet during an event of this nature are common. When you are walking, all the blood gets pumped to the working leg muscles then, when you stop, that blood can pool in your feet and your feet will swell. It is important to remember that shortness of breath, chest pain or redness in the legs associated with swollen feet may be more serious and you should be evaluated by your doctor.