2(E): Raised ICP Flashcards
What is normal range ICP
5-15mmHg
What ICP is considered raised
Above 20mmHg
What 4 focal mass effects cause raised ICP
Bleed: extradural, SAH
Intracranial tumour
Abscess
Hydrocephalus
What diffuse mass effective lead to raised ICP
Vasogenic oedema
Cytogenic oedema
Ischemic stroke
Meningitis
What is cytogenic oedema
Accumulation fluid in brain parenchyma due to build up Na+ and H2O
What is vasogenic oedema
Build-up fluid in interstitial space
What causes oedema
Ischaemic Strokes
Meningitis
Explain ‘early’ clinical-presentation of raised ICP
- Headache: worse in mornings, on sneezing, coughing, moving head
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Altered mental state
What are late clinical symptoms of raised ICP
- Continuous vomiting
- CN3 Palsy
- Decrease in GCS
- Cushing’s triad (bradycardia, HTN, irregular respiration)
- Coma and death
What may be seen on fundoscopy in raised ICP
Papilloedema
What doctrine explains why raise in ICP can cause herniation
Monroe-Kellie doctrine
What is uncal herniation also called
Trans-tentorial
What is trans-tentorial herniation
Uncus of hippocampus is forced under tentorium
What are three signs of transtentorial herniation
- CN3 Palsy
- Ipsilateral weakness
- Occludes PCA - causing ischaemic stroke of occipital lobe = homonymous hemianopia with macula sparing
How does CN3 palsy present
- Fixed Mid-Dilated Pupil
- Eye deviated down and out
What is central herniation
Diencephalon passes through tentorium
How does central herniation present
Sunset eyes
- Paralysis of upward gaze meaning eyes appear downwards
- Lower eyelid may cover lower half of pupil
- Only sclera is visible between pupil and upper eyelid
When is sunsetting of the eyes particularly common
Children with raised ICP
What is cingulate herniation also known as
Subfalcrine
What is sub-falcine herniation
Herniation of cingulate gyrus through fall cerebri
What does sub-falcrine herniation cause
Compress ACA causing ischaemic stroke
What is upward cerebellar herniation
Vermis is pushed upwards through transtentorium
What is tonsillar herniation
Herniation cerebellar tonsils through foramen magnum
How does tonsillar herniation present
- Compress brainstem causing respiratory and cardiac dysfunction
- Headache, neck stiffness
- Drop in GCS
What are indications for ICP monitoring
- Hydrocephalus
- TBI
- High-risk hydrocephalus (SOL, IIH, SAH, Reye’s)
What are contraindications for ICP monitoring
Anticoagulation
Brain abscess
What are the three types of ICP monitoring
EVD
Subarachnoid bolt
Extradural bolt
What is external ventricular drain also known as
Fluid-filled transducer ventriculostomy
What is gold-standard for ICP monitoring
EVD
What is the advantage of external ventricular drain
Able to drain CSF
Where is EVD placed
Kocher Point
What is the advantage of subarachnoid bolt
Less invasive than EVD
What is the problem with subarachnoid bolt
- High infection risk
- Limited therapeutic use
What is advantage of epidural bolt
- Less Infection risk then subarachnoid bolt
What is problem with epidural bolt
- Limited use
If raised ICP is suspected, how should patient be approached
A-E
IV Access
O2 if required
Basic investigations to determine cause
If GCS less than 8, how is patient managed
- Nurse at 30’
- Anaesthetist to intubate
Treat ICP if signs herniation:
- Mannitol or Hyper-osmotic Saline
- Hyperventilation (Ambubag)