Hernia

Herniation of brain tissue can occur when an expanding mass (tumor) begins to take up space within the finite area of the skull (for example, if there is high pressure in the skull from fluid accumulation, and a test called a spinal tap, or lumbar puncture, is performed). Displacement of brain tissue in this way results in compression of various areas of the brain, and greatly compromised vital functions (vital functions are those brain-directed functions necessary for the basics of human life, for example, breathing and heart rate). Herniation of brain tissue usually results either in death, or in massive and permanent brain damage.