Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs Cerebral edemaUpdated: 2017-06-13OverviewCerebral edema is swelling of the brain. This increases pressure within the skull, which prevents blood from flowing to the brain. The condition can be caused by a head injury, tumor, allergy, infection, or high altitudes.TreatmentsCerebral edema requires emergency hospitalization. Treatments include medications and surgery. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use