Increased intracranial pressure

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Subdural hematoma

ICP; Intracranial pressure - increased

Infants:

• bulging fontanelle
• separated sutures
• lethargy
• vomiting

• vomiting
• headache
• changes in behavior
• progressive decreased consciousness, lethargy
• neurologic deficits
• seizures

A diagnosis of raised intracranial pressure is made at the patient's bedside. An MRI or CT scan is often used to determine the cause and confirm the diagnosis.

Intracranial pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Intracranial pressure may be measured during a spinal tap (lumbar puncture). It may also be measured directly by a calibrated device. This device is drilled through the skull to measure the pressure on the surface of the brain, or a catheter is inserted to allow it to measure the pressure inside the brain.

Review Date: 01/23/2006
Reviewed By: Kevin Sheth, M.D., Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.