Word parts
What it means
The force inside the closed space of the skull. The skull cannot stretch, so if the brain swells, bleeds or gains fluid, the pressure rises. In adults it normally stays below about 15 mm Hg. Early signs of a rise are a change in level of consciousness, restlessness and headache; late signs include a slow pulse, a widening pulse pressure and irregular breathing (Cushing's triad).
For the nurse
A change in level of consciousness is the earliest and most important sign to report. Check neurologic status and pupils often. Keep the head of the bed raised about 30 degrees with the head and neck straight, and avoid things that raise the pressure, such as coughing, straining and bending at the hips.
In a chart
"Client more drowsy than at 0800, left pupil now sluggish; provider notified of possible increased ICP."
At a glance
| Abbreviations | ICP; IICP (increased intracranial pressure) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | presión intracraneal |
| Also written | ICP |
Related terms
central nervous system
The brain and the spinal cord together.
seizure
A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that changes movement, feeling, behavior or awareness.