Professional
Technical
IVT
ICP
Also written as: ICP — Intracranial Pressure
Intracranial pressure; the pressure within the skull that must be monitored and managed in neurocritical patients.
Full Definition
Intracranial pressure (ICP) is the pressure exerted by fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull and on the brain tissue. Normal ICP ranges from 5-15 mmHg in adults. Elevated ICP is a medical emergency that can lead to brain herniation and death. In neurocritical care documentation, ICP monitoring and management protocols are frequently detailed, requiring precise terminology usage.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize when used as acronym; avoid confusion with other pressure measurements.
In Context
- "The patient's ICP remained elevated at 25 mmHg despite osmotic therapy." — Clinical progress note
- "Continuous ICP monitoring was initiated via external ventricular drain." — Procedure report
Also known as
intracranial pressure
Don't confuse with
IOP (intraocular pressure)
CVP (central venous pressure)