transtentorial herniation

transtentorial herniation

[trans′tentôr′ē·əl]

Etymology: L, trans + tentorium, tent, hernia, rupture

a bulge of brain tissue out of the cranium through the tentorial notch, caused by increased intracranial pressure. See also tentorial herniation.

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herniation

abnormal protrusion of an organ or other body structure through a defect or natural opening in a covering membrane, muscle or bone. See also hernia and individual anatomical sites for hernia.

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nucleus pulposus herniation

rupture or prolapse of the nucleus pulposus into the spinal canal, or against the spinal cord. See also intervertebral disk disease.

transtentorial herniation

downward displacement (caudal transtentorial herniation; uncal herniation) of the medial brain structures through the tentorial notch by a supratentorial mass, exerting pressure on the underlying structures, including the brainstem.

uncal herniation

transtentorial herniation.

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transtentorial herniation

Cerebellar herniation Neurology Brain herniation that occurs when part of the cerebellum is displaced through the foramen magnum, compressing the brainstem, causing death by destroying the respiratory center. Cf Uncal herniation.