DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST
for Brain swelling

Why: must consider possibility of subdural haematoma as cause of brain swelling.

Why: head enlargement may be more apparent than real as there is often a disproportionately large head in relation to the body.

Why: steroid therapy and oral contraceptive pill may cause benign intracranial hypertension.

Why: of similar illness in older sibling.

Why: possible intrauterine infection; nature of delivery (subdural hemorrhage as a complication of forceps delivery or premature delivery can cause later brain swelling).

Why: e.g. In a baby is there failure to thrive in baby, delayed developmental gains, poor head control in baby, poor feeding, or irritability?. In older children are there changes in behavior, a clumsy gait, abnormal speech, tremor and poor co-ordination?. In adults there may be headache, vomiting, blurry vision and poor co-ordination in movement.

Why: may suggest brain swelling has occurred and progressed more rapidly.

Why: e.g. poor co-ordination of movement, tremor, seizures.

Why: may suggest cause of brain swelling.

Why: usually in elderly and include dementia, urinary incontinence and apraxia (poor ability to perform voluntary movements).

Why: usually in obese young women and include menstrual irregularities and blurriness of vision.