The brain is encased in several protective barriers. One of which is a thin, watery fluid, referred to as cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF. The Abramson Cancer Center explains that CSF is contained within fluid-filled pockets called ventricles, which facilitate the process of maintaining fluid levels throughout the brain system. The primary role of the CSF is to cushion the brain. The brain basically floats in this fluid and maintains its functioning unless serious damage or medical complications occur. In the event of complications, fluid may increase, causing further damage and in serious cases, death.
Pressure Changes
Changes in levels of cerebrospinal fluid can cause pressure to build in the brain. For instance, the presence of a blood clot or use of medications for decreasing fluid retention can impact the flow of CSF. In turn, this leads to increased pressure, or idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The Imaging and Perimetry Society explains that when this condition occurs a process of decreased fluid leading to increased pressure cycles unless medical intervention relieving the pressure takes place. Tumors are another source of pressure to the brain. The Abrams Cancer Center notes that the presence of a brain tumor expanding causes fluid to increase. This fluid retention further impacts the amount of pressure placed on the brain, since the brain only has a limited amount of space within the skull. In both cases, headaches and eye pain symptoms may appear.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury results when severe and sudden impact occurs to the skull. This can happen as a result of car accidents, falls or assault with or without a weapon. Different forms of trauma injury have varying results, including heavy internal bleeding, referred to as hematoma or decreased oxygen to the brain. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that sometimes traumatic brain injury causes swelling and fluid accumulation in the brain space. When damage is done inside the skull-encased brain, excess fluid is unable to be absorbed, causing complications such as brain damage or death.
Obstructions
Excess fluid buildup in the brain may happen because of an obstruction preventing normal fluid drainage. This is referred to as hydrocephalus, or "water on the brain". The Mayo Clinic says this is caused when the body does not properly absorb CSF fluid either due to illness, injury or other unknown causes. Obstructions such as tumors, hematoma or birth defects increase the risk of brain fluid retention. Surgery is the most common form of treatment for hydrocephalus.
