The effect of intravenous ketamine on cerebrospinal fluid pressure

Abstract

The effect of an intravenous injection of ketamine 1.1 mg/kg on the cerebrospinal fluid (c.s.f.) pressure was studied in 20 patients during nitrous oxide-oxygen and relaxant anaesthesia. In 11 patients with normal c.s.f. pathways the pressure did not alter significantly, but in 6 of 9 patients with intracranial space-occupying lesions there was a substantial rise in cs.f. pressure. These results suggest that ketamine must be used with caution in patients with intracranial space-occupying lesions. © 1972 John Sherratt and Son Ltd.