Neurological Monitoring and Management of Intracranial Hypertension

ABSTRACT

Intracranial hypertension is a common sequela of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Uncontrolled intracranial pressure (ICP) carries 84 to 100% mortality. Although no specific class I data demonstrate that control of ICP improves outcome, there remains strong evidence that careful management and control of ICP is beneficial. Accordingly, ICP monitoring is commonly utilized after TBI. Neurological monitoring in the critical care unit has advanced significantly. Technology exists to monitor ICP, brain oxygenation, jugular venous oxygenation, and cerebral blood flow. With such advances arises improvement in critical care. The focus of this article is to review the techniques and indications for critical care monitoring of ICP. This article also discusses the current protocols involved in the management of intracranial hypertension.

KEYWORDS

Brain - intracranial pressure - monitor - trauma

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