[Conservative treatment of brain edema--which way is leading to Rome?]

In patients with brain edema the pathophysiology of the different forms of edema have to be considered to ensure the prompt, sensible and consistent use of the limited treatment modalities available. Brain edema may be classified into cytotoxic and vasogenic edema, these two types often coexist in one patient. Head elevation, hyperventilation, osmotic therapy and reduction of brain metabolism by sedation or hypothermia should be used closely monitoring ICP and blood pressure. In the future considering the autoregulatory capacity of the individual patient will possibly lead to a more effective action of the treatment modalities described. Further research will open new perspectives how aquaporines are involved in the genesis and mobilisation of brain edema.