[Acute intracranial hypertension]

Abstract

Acute intracranial hypertension is a syndrome with multiple etiologies. Diagnosis and treatment must be performed urgently to save the patient's life and prevent the development of significant disabilities. The appearance of this syndrome is due to intracraincreased volumes and -in turn- the pressure of the intracranial contents, either through an increase in the physiological components (blood, cerebrospinal fluid and brain parenchyma), or through the appearance of a volume in the form of added mass. The underlying brain edema in this condition may be of several types: cytotoxic, vasogenic, interstitial, or hydrostatic. Increased intracranial pressure decreases cerebral perfusion pressure, creating a vicious cycle because of the resulting cerebral ischemia, which progressively increases cerebral blood volume by decreasing resistance and further increases intracranial pressure. Treatment depends on the etiology and will generally require medical and surgical care. Patient management is usually carried out in neurocritical units and involves intracranial pressure monitoring to guide treatment. Correction of all hemostasis disorders is also crucial to patient survival.