Brain herniation is a potentially deadly side effect of very high pressure within the skull that occurs when a part of the brain is squeezed across structures within the skull. The brain can shift across such structures as the falx cerebri, the tentorium cerebelli, and even through the foramen magnum (the hole in the base of the skull through which the spinal cord connects with the brain). Herniation can be caused by a number of factors that cause a mass effect and increase intracranial pressure (ICP): these include traumatic brain injury, intracranial hemorrhage, or brain tumor.Herniation can also occur in the absence of high ICP when mass lesions such as hematomas occur at the borders of brain compartments. In such cases local pressure is increased at the place where the herniation occurs, but this pressure is not transmitted to the rest of the brain, and therefore does not register as an increase in ICP.Because herniation puts extreme pressure on parts of the brain and thereby cuts off the blood supply to various parts of the brain, it is often fatal. Therefore, extreme measures are taken in hospital settings to prevent the condition by reducing intracranial pressure, or decompressing (draining) a hematoma which is putting local pressure on a part of the brain. Signs and symptoms
Brain herniation frequently presents with abnormal posturing, a characteristic positioning of the limbs indicative of severe brain damage. These patients have a lowered level of consciousness, with Glasgow Coma Scores of three to five.
Gelesis100, sold under the brand name Plenity, is an oral hydrogel used to treat overweight and obesity. It absorbs water and expands in the stomach and small bowel thereby increasing feelings of fullness. Possible side effects include primarily gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal distention, infrequent bowel movements, constipation, abdominal pain, and flatulence. It is contraindicated in pregnancy, chronic malabsorption syndromes, and cholestasis. The US Food and Drug Administration approved it in 2019 as a medical device. Gelesis100 was developed by the company Gelesis. History
The US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Gelesis100 in April 2019 as a medical device. Gelesis100 is the first treatment of its kind for overweight and obesity. Uses
Gelesis100 is used to treat obesity and overweight. Gelesis100 is taken as a pill before meals and with water. Mechanism and physiology
Gelesis100 is an oral superabsorbent hydrogel, which is produced from carboxymethylcellulose and citric acid. The cross-linked product forms a hydrophilic matrix, which absorbs water. Taken in capsule form by mouth, as Gelesis100 absorbs water, it expands in the stomach and small intestine. After absorbing water, a semisolid gel structure forms, which may promote satiety and result in weight loss. Contraindications
Gelesis100 is contraindicated in pregnancy, chronic malabsorption syndromes, and cholestasis. Side effects
Side effects consist of minor gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal distention, infrequent bowel movements, constipation, abdominal pain, and flatulence. Gelesis100 is not associated with any severe adverse events. However, long-term safety data beyond 24 weeks is not available. References
External links
Official website