What is the significance of increased intracranial pressure




















What are the symptoms of ICP? These are the most common symptoms of an ICP: Headache Blurred vision Feeling less alert than usual Vomiting Changes in your behavior Weakness or problems with moving or talking Lack of energy or sleepiness The symptoms of ICP may look like other conditions or medical problems.

How is ICP diagnosed? To diagnose ICP, your doctor may do the following: Medical history and physical exam including a neurological exam to test senses, balance and mental status Spinal tap also called lumbar puncture , which measures the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid Computed tomography CT scan, the gold standard imaging test, creates a series of cross-sectional X-ray images of the head and brain Magnetic resonance imaging MRI used after the initial assessment uses magnetic fields to detect subtle changes in brain tissue content and can show more detail than X-rays or CT.

How is ICP treated? Increased intracranial pressure is an emergency. Treatment might include: Medicine to reduce swelling Draining extra cerebrospinal fluid or bleeding around the brain Removing part of the skull craniotomy to ease swelling though this is rare You may also be treated for the underlying cause of your intracranial pressure, which could be an infection, high blood pressure, tumor, or stroke. What are the complications of ICP? When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your doctor or if you have any of the symptoms listed: Severe headache Blurred vision Feeling less alert than usual Vomiting Changes in your behavior Weakness or problems with moving or talking Lack of energy or sleepiness Seizure Key points about increased intracranial pressure ICP ICP is a dangerous condition.

It is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Increased intracranial pressure from bleeding in the brain, a tumor, stroke, aneurysm, high blood pressure, brain infection, etc. Treatment includes relieving the brain of the increased pressure. The pressure can damage the brain or spinal cord by pressing on important structures and by restricting blood flow into the brain.

A health care provider will usually make the diagnosis at the patient's bedside in an emergency room or hospital. Primary care doctors may sometimes spot early symptoms of increased intracranial pressure such as headache, seizures, or other nervous system problems.

An MRI or CT scan of the head can usually determine the cause of increased intracranial pressure and confirm the diagnosis. Intracranial pressure may be measured during a spinal tap lumbar puncture.

It can also be measured directly by using a device that is drilled through the skull or a tube catheter that is inserted into a hollow area in the brain called the ventricle. Sudden increased intracranial pressure is an emergency.

The person will be treated in the intensive care unit of the hospital. The health care team will measure and monitor the person's neurological and vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. If a tumor, hemorrhage, or other problem has caused the increase in intracranial pressure, these problems will be treated.

Sudden increased intracranial pressure is a serious and often life-threatening condition. Prompt treatment results in better outlook. If the increased pressure pushes on important brain structures and blood vessels, it can lead to serious, permanent problems or even death. This condition usually cannot be prevented. If you have a persistent headache, blurred vision, changes in your level of alertness, nervous system problems, or seizures, seek medical help right away.

These symptoms may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. To diagnose increased ICP, your healthcare provider will ask about your past health and do a physical exam. You may also need:. A nervous system exam. This is to test your senses, balance, and mental status. Sometimes your healthcare provider can tell if pressure is high by looking into your eye with an ophthalmoscope. Spinal tap lumbar puncture. This test measures the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid.

CT scan. This test makes a series of detailed X-ray images of the head and brain. This test uses a large magnet and a computer to detect small changes in brain tissue content.

It can show more detail than X-rays or a CT scan. 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.



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