Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Cerebral arterial gas embolism (CAGE)
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
Cerebral arterial gas embolism (CAGE): Gas bubbles traveling and lodging (embolizing) in the arteries that supply the brain with blood (and oxygen).
Gas emboli in the brain can lead to a stroke-like condition with disorientation, difficulty walking and talking, coma, and death.
For example, even a single breath of helium can cause CAGE.