intracranial pressure
Also written as: ICP — intracranial pressure
The pressure within the skull, elevated levels of which can cause brain injury and require urgent intervention.
Full Definition
Intracranial pressure (ICP) is the pressure exerted by cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and brain tissue within the rigid skull. Normal ICP ranges from 5-15 mmHg in adults. Elevated ICP (>20 mmHg) can result from traumatic brain injury, cerebral edema, hematomas, or hydrocephalus, leading to decreased cerebral perfusion and potential brain herniation. Management includes positioning, osmotic agents, sedation, and sometimes surgical decompression through craniectomy or hematoma evacuation.
Usage
Usage note: Lowercase when used as a general term. Commonly abbreviated as ICP in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "Continuous intracranial pressure monitoring showed sustained pressures above 25 mmHg." — ICU progress note
- "The patient required urgent decompressive craniectomy for malignant intracranial pressure elevation." — Operative report