What it means
The skull is a closed box holding the brain, blood and spinal fluid. If any of these increases, from brain swelling, bleeding, a tumor, infection or blocked fluid flow, the pressure inside rises and can squeeze the brain and cut off its blood supply. Normal intracranial pressurein-truh-KRAY-nee-ul PRESH-erThe pressure inside the skull, made by the brain, the blood and the fluid around the brain.intra- insidecrani/o skull-al relating toFull entry is about 5 to 15 mm Hg. Early changes are subtle, and late signs include changes in the pupils and triadTRY-adA group of three things, such as three signs that occur together.Full entry .
For the nurse
A change in level of consciousness is often the earliest sign, so check it and report any change. Keep the head of the bed raised about 30 degrees with the head in line with the body, avoid bending the hips sharply, keep the room calm and spread out care. Prevent straining, coughing and long suctioning.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | IICP; ICP (intracranial pressure) |
|---|---|
| Also written | IICP, raised intracranial pressure |
Related terms
intracranial pressure
The pressure inside the skull, made by the brain, the blood and the fluid around the brain.
level of consciousness
How awake, alert and aware of their surroundings a person is.
Glasgow Coma Scale
A scoring tool that rates a person's level of consciousness by their eye opening, verbal response and movement, from 3 to 15.
triad
A group of three things, such as three signs that occur together.