Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)Not what you're looking for? Show
What is increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?A brain injury or some other health problem can cause growing pressure inside your skull. This dangerous condition is called increased intracranial pressure (ICP). It can lead to a headache. It can also further injure your brain or spinal cord. This kind of headache is an emergency. It requires medical care right away. The sooner you get help, the more likely you are to recover. What causes increased ICP?Causes of increased ICP are:
What are the symptoms of increased ICP?These are the most common symptoms of increased ICP:
These symptoms may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is increased ICP diagnosed?
To diagnose increased ICP, your healthcare provider will ask about your past health and do a physical exam. You may also need:
How is increased ICP treated?Increased ICP is an emergency. Treatment might include:
The medical staff may put a pressure monitor (ICP monitor) through a hole in your skull so they can change the amount of medicine if needed. You may also be treated for the underlying cause of your increased ICP, such as an infection, high blood pressure, tumor, or stroke. What are possible complications of increased ICP?Increased ICP has serious complications, such as:
Can increased ICP be prevented?You can lower your risk of certain health problems that may lead to increased ICP, such as:
Getting regular exercise, staying at a healthy weight, and eating a healthy diet can lower your risk for high blood pressure and stroke. Getting recommended vaccines and washing your hands frequently can lower your risk for infections. You can lower your risk for a head injury by always wearing a helmet when participating in contact sports or riding a bike or motorcycle. Also always wear a seatbelt. When should I call my healthcare provider?Call your healthcare provider or 911 if you think you may be having symptoms of increased ICP, such as:
Key points about increased ICP
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Medical Reviewer: Joseph Campellone MD Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN © 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for? Which of the following factors contribute to increased ICP?Increased ICP can result from bleeding in the brain, a tumor, stroke, aneurysm, high blood pressure, or brain infection. Treatment focuses on lowering increased intracranial pressure around the brain.
Which are common causes of increased intracranial pressure ICP )?Causes of ICP:. Too much cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid around your brain and spinal cord). Bleeding into the brain.. Swelling in the brain.. Aneurysm.. Blood pooling in some part of the brain.. Brain or head injury.. Brain tumor.. Infections such as encephalitis or meningitis.. What are the 3 components that impact intracranial pressure?The pressure in the cranial vault is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is normally less than 20 mm Hg. The cranium is a rigid structure that contains 3 main components: brain, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood. Any increase in the volume of its contents will increase the pressure within the cranial vault.
Which conditions most likely increase intracranial pressure?Common causes include:. Aneurysm rupture and subarachnoid hemorrhage.. Brain tumor.. Encephalitis (irritation and swelling, or inflammation of the brain). Head injury.. Hydrocephalus (increased fluid within the brain). Hypertensive brain hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain from high blood pressure). |