Headaches are a common complaint. Most people have headaches at some time in their lives. But you can't fix all headaches with some over-the-counter pain medicine and a nap. Sometimes your headache is a sign of a serious medical emergency called
increased intracranial pressure (ICP). ICP is what happens when there is excess fluid or swelling inside your skull. The increase in volume over-fills the limited space in your skull and puts pressure on your brain. One key symptom of increased intracranial pressure may be a
bad headache. ICP is a medical emergency. You should call for help immediately if you think you are experiencing increased intracranial pressure. One of the most common causes of increased intracranial pressure is an injury to your brain or skull. The trauma leads to bleeding or swelling inside your skull. That pressure
from the excess fluid or the swelling can harm your brain tissue or your spinal column. You should talk to your doctor if you have had a head injury. They may want to monitor you for possible ICP. A stroke
is another common reason for increased pressure in your skull. Some types of stroke cause blood vessels in your brain to burst. The blood pools around your brain. This causes pressure. Call 911 right away if you think you are having a stroke. Other causes of increased intracranial pressure include: ICP may start with a headache.
The headache may be sudden and excruciating. It might also stay mild and steadily get worse over time. But the building pressure on your brain will cause other symptoms. These symptoms may clue you in that your headache is not just normal discomfort. Other symptoms of increased intracranial pressure include: Contact your doctor right away if you have a headache along with any of these symptoms. When you see a doctor for possible ICP, they may do several of the following tests to diagnose the issue. Physical exam. Your doctor will ask you about any recent injuries or
illnesses. They may check your blood pressure and examine your eyes for signs of neurological problems. They will also test your senses, balance, and mental status. Spinal tap. Your doctor may use a needle to check the pressure of the fluid around your spine. This can indicate that there is increased pressure around your brain. CT scan or
MRI. Your doctor can see images of your brain by using CT or MRI scans. They will show any injuries and the location of swelling or fluid build-up. Your treatment will depend on the reason for your intracranial swelling. Your doctor will choose a treatment option for you once they know what is causing the problem. Medication. Some medications can reduce swelling in your brain. If you have
a blood clot in your brain, your doctor may give you medicine to dissolve it. Draining fluid. Your doctor can place a device called an external ventricular drain (EVD). This will allow excess fluid to flow out of your skull through tubes. Your doctor can put in a shunt if you need
drainage from your brain for a longer time. A shunt is a tube placed inside your body to direct fluid from your brain into your abdomen. Surgery. Sometimes your doctor will need to operate to relieve the pressure inside your brain. The type of surgery will depend on the cause of the pressure. Doctors may need to repair an injury, stop any bleeding, or remove a tumor. Any treatment for ICP will be more effective the sooner you get it. Waiting to get medical attention
puts you at risk for brain damage. Intracranial pressure is a medical emergency. Call a doctor right away if you suspect you or someone you know has increased intracranial pressure. What is increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?A brain injury or some other health problem can cause growing pressure inside your skull. This dangerous condition is called increased intracranial pressure (ICP). It can lead to a headache. It can also further injure your brain or spinal cord. This kind of headache is an emergency. It requires medical care right away. The sooner you get help, the more likely you are to recover. What causes increased ICP?Causes of increased ICP are:
What are the symptoms of increased ICP?These are the most common symptoms of increased ICP:
These symptoms may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is increased ICP diagnosed?To diagnose increased ICP, your healthcare provider will ask about your past health and do a physical exam. You may also need:
How is increased ICP treated?Increased ICP is an emergency. Treatment might include:
The medical staff may put a pressure monitor (ICP monitor) through a hole in your skull so they can change the amount of medicine if needed. You may also be treated for the underlying cause of your increased ICP, such as an infection, high blood pressure, tumor, or stroke. What are possible complications of increased ICP?Increased ICP has serious complications, such as:
Can increased ICP be prevented?You can lower your risk of certain health problems that may lead to increased ICP, such as:
Getting regular exercise, staying at a healthy weight, and eating a healthy diet can lower your risk for high blood pressure and stroke. Getting recommended vaccines and washing your hands frequently can lower your risk for infections. You can lower your risk for a head injury by always wearing a helmet when participating in contact sports or riding a bike or motorcycle. Also always wear a seatbelt. When should I call my healthcare provider?Call your healthcare provider or 911 if you think you may be having symptoms of increased ICP, such as:
Key points about increased ICP
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
What are manifestations of increased intracranial pressure?Clinical suspicion for intracranial hypertension should be raised if a patient presents with the following signs and symptoms: headaches, vomiting, and altered mental status varying from drowsiness to coma.
How does head injury cause increased intracranial pressure?One of the most common causes of increased intracranial pressure is an injury to your brain or skull. The trauma leads to bleeding or swelling inside your skull. That pressure from the excess fluid or the swelling can harm your brain tissue or your spinal column.
Which conditions most likely increase intracranial pressure?Common causes include:. Aneurysm rupture and subarachnoid hemorrhage.. Brain tumor.. Encephalitis (irritation and swelling, or inflammation of the brain). Head injury.. Hydrocephalus (increased fluid within the brain). Hypertensive brain hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain from high blood pressure). What are the four stages of increased intracranial pressure?Intracranial hypertension is classified in four forms based on the etiopathogenesis: parenchymatous intracranial hypertension with an intrinsic cerebral cause, vascular intracranial hypertension, which has its etiology in disorders of the cerebral blood circulation, meningeal intracranial hypertension and idiopathic ...
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