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.Causes of ICP
Symptoms of ICP
Diagnosing ICP
Treatment for ICP
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:
Hydrocephalus, which is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid. This is the fluid around your brain and spinal cord.
Bleeding into the brain
Swelling in the brain
Aneurysm
Blood pooling in some part of the brain
Brain or head injury
Brain tumor
Infections such as encephalitis or meningitis
High blood pressure
Stroke
What are the symptoms of increased ICP?
These are the most common symptoms of increased ICP:
Headache
Blurred vision
Confusion
High blood pressure
Shallow breathing
Vomiting
Changes in your behavior
Weakness or problems with moving or talking
Lack of energy or sleepiness
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:
A nervous system exam. This is to test your senses, balance, and mental status. Sometimes your healthcare provider can tell if pressure is high by looking into your eye with an ophthalmoscope.
Spinal tap (lumbar puncture). This test measures the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid.
CT scan. This test makes a series of detailed X-ray images of the head and brain.
MRI. This test uses a large magnet and a computer to detect small changes in brain tissue content. It can show more detail than X-rays or a CT scan.
How is increased ICP treated?
Increased ICP is an emergency. Treatment might include:
Taking medicine to reduce swelling
Draining extra cerebrospinal fluid or blood around the brain
Removing part of the skull (craniotomy) to ease swelling (though this is rare)
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:
Seizures
Stroke
Neurological damage
Death
Can increased ICP be prevented?
You can lower your risk of certain health problems that may lead to increased ICP, such as:
High blood pressure
Stroke
Infection
Head injury
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:
Severe headache
Blurred vision
Feeling less alert than usual
Vomiting
Changes in your behavior
Weakness or problems with moving or talking
Lack of energy or sleepiness
Seizure
Key points about increased ICP
Increased ICP is a dangerous condition.
It is an emergency. It requires medical care right away.
Increased ICP can result from bleeding in the brain, a tumor, stroke, aneurysm, high blood pressure, or brain infection.
Treatment focuses on lowering increased intracranial pressure around the brain.
Increased ICP has serious complications, including long-term (permanent) brain damage and death.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
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Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.