TREATMENT OF RAISED INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE

When a rising intracranial pressure is caused by an expanding mass, or is compounded by

respiratory problems, treatment is clear-cut, the mass must be removed and blood gases restored
to normal levels- by ventilation if necessary.
In some patients, despite the above measures, cerebral swelling may produce a marked increase
in intracranial pressure. This may follow removal of a tumour or haematoma or may complicate
a diffuse head injury. Artificial methods of lowering intracranial pressure may prevent brain
damage and death from brain shif, but some methods lead to reduce cerebral blood flow, which
in it self may cause brain damage ( see page 82 )
Intracranial pressure is monitored with a ventricular catheter of surface pressure recording device
( see page 51 )
Treatment may be instituted when the mean ICP is > 25 mmHg