Intracranial pressure (icp)

Abstract

Monitoring brain functions is difficult in comatose patients. Continuous ICP recording is of value in cases of severe head trauma since the therapy of head-injured patients aims at preventing secondary injuries due to an elevated ICP and/or a low cerebral perfusion pressure. Insertion of an ICP device should be considered following intracranial surgery if complications are estimated as probable and, in a limited number of cases, also for evacuation of CSF, as well as for the differentiation between normal and low-pressure states. In cases of a subarachnoidal bleeding, it is recommended to insert a ventricular catheter not only as a means for ICP measurements, but also since the possibility to drain ventricular fluid might be compulsory.