Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) is a serious condition that can cause brain damage or even death if left untreated. It can be caused by a variety of conditions such as head injury, brain tumor, stroke, meningitis, or hydrocephalus.
The goal of treatment for raised ICP is to reduce the pressure within the skull to prevent brain damage. This can be achieved through a number of methods, including:
- Medications: Medications such as osmotic diuretics (e.g. mannitol), corticosteroids, and anticonvulsants may be used to reduce the swelling and inflammation in the brain that is causing the raised ICP.
- Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to remove a brain tumor or to drain excess fluid from the brain in cases of hydrocephalus.
- Ventilation: In some cases, a ventilator may be used to control breathing and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood, which can help reduce ICP.
- Positioning: Keeping the head elevated at a 30-degree angle can help reduce ICP.
- Hyperventilation: Hyperventilation can temporarily reduce ICP by decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood, which causes vasoconstriction of the cerebral blood vessels.
- Decompressive craniectomy: In severe cases, a decompressive craniectomy may be performed to relieve the pressure within the skull. This involves removing a portion of the skull to allow the brain to expand without being compressed.
It is important to monitor ICP regularly using invasive or non-invasive techniques to ensure that the treatment is effective and to prevent further brain damage.