Raised Intracranial Pressure Flashcards
what is raised intracranial pressure
Intracranial hypertension (IH) is a build-up of pressure around the brain
what can cause an intracranial pressure
a blood clot on the surface of your brain, known as a chronic subdural haematoma
a brain tumour
an infection in your brain, such as meningitis or encephalitis
hydrocephalus, where fluid builds up around and inside your brain
symptoms/ signs of intracranial pressure
Headache
Blurred vision - papilloedema
Confusion
High blood pressure
Shallow breathing
Vomiting
Changes in your behaviour
Weakness or problems with moving or talking
Lack of energy or sleepiness
what investigations will be done for raised ICP
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- papilloedema
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.
MRI. 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.
treatment of raised ICP
treat the underlying cause
Taking medicine to reduce swelling
Draining extra cerebrospinal fluid or blood around the brain
Removing part of the skull (craniotomy) to ease swelling (though this is rare)
