11.3 Raised Intracranial Pressure

Question 1

What are some red flags on a history of a headache patient that are indicative of a raised ICP?

Answer 1

Focal neurological defecit
Seizures
Neck stiffness/fever/rash
Vomiting
Waking patient up
Head injury in last 3 months
Headache in patients who have had cancer/immunosuppression
Risk factors for venous sinus thrombosis
Thunderclap headache
Change in headache with posture

Question 2

What are some signs you can elicit with raised ICP?

Answer 2

Papillodema
3rd nerve palsy
6th nerve palsy
Loss of vestibulo-ocular reflex (brain death)