25 years have passed since a small group met for the First International Symposia on Brain Edema in Vienna. Subsequent Symposia were held in Mainz, Montreal, Berlin, Groningen, Tokyo and Baltimore. During this time we have witnessed a virtual explosion of the number of publications in this field and our basic and clinical understanding of this disease process has increased tremendously. Our meetings have always been a landmark to take stock of our experience so far and to provide perspectives toward future developments. In addition, it always was a good opportunity to renew old friendship and to make new friends. This volume is a compilation of papers presented at the Eighth International Symposium on Brain Edema held on June 17-20, 1990 in Bern, Switzerland. During this Symposium 158 papers were presented as oral or poster presentations. This considerable number of papers was chosen from more than 230 abstracts that were received. The organizers wish to thank the Advisory Committee for the work done in paper selection and focus on the Symposium. Appreciation is also given to all persons, who have contributed to the success of this meeting, the Chairmen, the participants and last but not least all the staff who worked behind the scene.