Always take the exact medication that your doctor tells you to. Depending on what caused your edema, certain medications like Aspirin can make it worse by thinning your blood. Keep your doctor informed if your condition gets any worse, like if you experience increased pain, confusion, dizziness, or nausea.
Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids as a sole treatment for swelling, or after a medical procedure. These drugs are used most often for brain tumors and following surgery.
Diuretics are usually administered with an IV drip in a hospital setting. If your doctor thinks you’re well enough, they may release you with a prescription diuretic pill. Take them exactly how the doctor orders you to.
If your antibiotics are causing severe side effects, call your doctor to ask if you can switch to an alternative medication. However, don’t stop taking the antibiotic without checking with your doctor first. Antibiotics commonly cause stomach upset, so try taking them with a meal or light snack like crackers to prevent adverse side effects. Don’t do this if your doctor tells you to take the medicine on an empty stomach. Your doctor may try a few different antibiotics to see which one fights the infection best. Remember that bacterial infections are communicable diseases, so limit your contact with other people until you’ve healed and can no longer infect others. Viral infections can also cause brain swelling, but antibiotics are not effective in fighting these conditions. Doctors will probably treat these infections with corticosteroids, fluids, and antivirals.
During the treatment, you’ll be intubated so you’re able to receive more oxygen. This treatment is typically used when your brain swelling is caused by trauma, and the results are temporary. If hyperventilation is successful in reducing the swelling, the doctor may still send you home with a prescription for corticosteroids or keep you in the hospital for observation.
Osmotherapy is a common treatment for brain swelling related to injuries, strokes, and infections. Some researchers have recently questioned how effective osmotherapy is for edema patients. Your doctor may only use this option in very specific circumstances. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
This is a common treatment for people who have bleeding on the brain from an injury or stroke. It is usually a last resort before performing surgery.
This is a common treatment for people who have experienced serious head injuries or have an active bleed that surgeons can’t control.
Ask your doctor how long you have to continue this treatment. Keep your head elevated if you’re laying on the couch as well. Use pillows to angle your head up.
The official daily recommendation for omega-3s is 1. 1 g for women and 1. 6 g for men. Good sources of omega-3s are fatty fish like salmon and sardines, nuts, seeds, plant oils, and fortified dairy products like eggs, milk, and yogurt. [15] X Research source
Processed foods, fast food, candy, sugary drinks, and red meat are all high in saturated fats. Replace these foods with fresh, non-processed options.
Only exercise if your doctor tells you it’s safe. Physical activity before you’re fully healed is dangerous and could delay your recovery. If you’re recovering from a brain condition, avoid any activities that could injure your head. Biking and contact sports are very dangerous after you’ve had a brain injury.
