intracranial pressure
Also written as: ICP — intracranial pressure
The pressure inside the skull, encompassing brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid.
Full Definition
Intracranial pressure (ICP) is the pressure within the cranial vault, determined by the volume of brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood. Normal ICP ranges from 5-15 mmHg in adults. Elevated ICP can result from brain tumors, hemorrhage, edema, or hydrocephalus and is a medical emergency that can lead to brain herniation and death. ICP monitoring is critical in neurosurgical and neurological intensive care, particularly in traumatic brain injury management and assessment of space-occupying lesions.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as ICP. Distinguish from cerebrospinal fluid pressure measured during lumbar puncture.
In Context
- "The patient required urgent decompressive craniectomy due to severely elevated intracranial pressure." — Surgical report
- "Continuous intracranial pressure monitoring showed gradual improvement following osmotic therapy." — ICU monitoring note