University:
Western Sydney University
Course:
MEDI 2003 | Clinical Sciences 2
Academic year:

2024
Views:

408

Pages:

3
Author:

Mariam A. A.

Increased intracranial pressure Causes: 1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Head trauma can lead to swelling and bleeding within the brain, causing an increase in intracranial pressure. 2. Brain Tumors: Tumors within the brain can grow and compress surrounding tissues, leading to elevated pressure. 3. Stroke: Ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes can cause swelling and edema, increasing intracranial pressure. 4. Hydrocephalus: Accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) due to impaired drainage or overproduction can elevate ICP. 5. Infections: Conditions like meningitis or encephalitis can cause inflammation and swelling, contributing to increased pressure. Symptoms: 1. Headache: Persistent and severe headaches are a common symptom of increased intracranial pressure. 2. Nausea and Vomiting: Raised ICP can stimulate the vomiting center in the brain, leading to nausea and vomiting. 3. Visual Changes: Blurred vision, double vision, or vision loss can occur due to pressure on the optic nerve. 4. Altered Consciousness: Patients may experience confusion, drowsiness, or loss of consciousness as ICP increases. 5. Seizures: Elevated pressure on the brain can trigger epileptic seizures in some individuals. 6. Motor Dysfunction: Weakness, paralysis, or coordination difficulties may result from pressure on motor centers of the brain. Diagnostic Evaluation: 1. Neurological Examination: Assessing mental status, cranial nerve function, and motor/sensory responses helps evaluate the extent of intracranial pressure. 2. Imaging Studies: CT scans and MRI scans can identify structural abnormalities, hemorrhage, or signs of increased pressure within the skull. 3. Intracranial Pressure Monitoring: Invasive techniques such as ventriculostomy or intraparenchymal monitoring may be utilized in critically ill patients to directly measure ICP. Management: 1. Medications: Osmotic diuretics like mannitol or loop diuretics can reduce cerebral edema and lower ICP. Corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation in certain conditions. 2. Ventilation: Ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation is crucial to maintain cerebral perfusion and prevent further brain injury. 3. Surgical Interventions: Decompressive craniectomy, removal of tumors, or placement of shunts for hydrocephalus can help alleviate pressure on the brain. 4. Positioning: Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees can promote venous drainage and reduce intracranial pressure. 5. Monitoring and Supportive Care: Continuous monitoring of neurological status, vital signs, and intracranial pressure is essential for early detection of complications and timely interventions.