Elevated Intracranial Pressure, Management of

Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) represents one of the most serious complications of acute brain injury, contributing a significant degree of morbidity and mortality in this patient population. Etiologies of elevated ICP can range from mass lesions and cerebral edema to accumulation of fluid in the ventricular and vascular intracranial compartments. Owing to its deleterious effects on outcome, elevated ICP is considered to be a medical and surgical emergency, requiring prompt recognition and appropriate management. Management strategies for elevated ICP include maintenance of adequate perfusion/ventilation/temperature control, neurosurgical intervention, sedation, osmotic therapy, and hyperventilation.