Intracranial Hypertension

Excerpt

Intracranial hypertension is a spectrum of neurological disorders where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure within the skull is elevated. Normal CSF pressure varies by age. In general, CSF pressure above 250 mm H20 in adults and above 200 mm H2O in children signifies increased intracranial pressure (ICP). It may be idiopathic or arise as a result of neurologic insult or injury. The human skull is a relatively fixed volume structure of approximately 1400 to 1700 mL. Physiologically its components consist of 80% brain parenchyma, 10% cerebrospinal fluid, and 10% blood. Since the skull is considered an unchangeable volume, any increase in the volume of components within the skull or an addition of a pathologic element will result in increased pressure within the skull. Pathologic structures that can cause increased ICP may include mass lesions, abscesses, and hematomas.