ABSTRACT
Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) is a life-threatening situation in which early intervention can make a substantial change in the outcome. Increased ICP may be a consequence of various etiologies, including head trauma, hydrocephalus, brain tumor, intracerebral hemorrhage, or cerebral edema. The earliest clinical symptoms of elevation in ICP are headache and decreased mental function. Other symptoms may include gaze paresis (double vision), swelling of the optic disk (papilledema), and brainstem dysfunction apparent as pupillary abnormalities and abnormal posturing. Systemic alterations may involve hypertension and tachycardia.
