Cerebral Herniation

The position where brain tissue has displaced determines the type of cerebral herniation. It can be classified into three categories: 

1. Subfalcine

This is the most common type of brain herniation. Under normal circumstances, the brain tissue moves under a membrane called the falx cerebri in the middle of the brain. In this condition, the tissue ends up pushed to one side. 

2. Transtentorial Herniation 

This can be further divided into: 

• Descending Transtentorial or Uncal - this is the second most common type of cerebral herniation. The uncus is basically a part of the temporal lobe that is shifted downward into an area called the posterior fossa. 

• Ascending Transtentorial Herniation - in this type, the cerebellum and the brainstem move a little upward in a membrane known as the tentorium cerebelli. 

3. Cerebellar Tonsillar

There is a natural opening at the base of our skull. This is where the spinal cord connects to the brain. In this type, the cerebral tonsils move downward towards this opening.