Question

In an adult an increased intracranial pressure may

Answer 1

Answer:

Increased intracranial pressure in the adult can cause both a downward displacement of the brain stem and a herniation of the medulla oblongata through the foramen magnum, which can result in sudden respiratory arrest and death, so all options are true (option d).

Explanation:

In the adult, the cranial cavity is rigid, so an increase in intracranial pressure leads to compression of the brain structures and displacement of the brain stem through the foramen magnum, which is known as a brain herniation.

- The brain stem is a structure that is found in the lower part of the brain and continues with the spinal cord. It is formed by the midbrain, the ring bump and the medulla oblongata.

- At the level of the brain stem, there are important control centers for breathing and cardiovascular activity.

Taking into account this, it can be stated that the increase of intracranial pressure, such as those produced by trauma, cerebral edema or tumors, can produce:

1. Downward displacement of the brain stem.
2. Herniation of the same brain stem, including the medulla oblongata, through the foramen magnum.
3. Respiratory arrest and death, by compression on the respiratory center.

For this reason, all the options raised are true.