What is intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP)?
ICU patients who have sustained head trauma, brain
hemorrhage, brain surgery, or conditions in which the brain
may swell might require intracranial pressure monitoring.
The purpose of ICP monitoring is to continuously measure the
pressure surrounding the brain. If the pressure surrounding
the brain gets too high, it can cause decreased blood flow
to the brain and potentially lead to brain damage.
What is an ICP monitor?
The
ICP monitor consists of a small plastic tube connected
to a
bedside monitor, which continuously displays the
pressure surrounding the brain.
How is ICP monitoring performed?
The
ICP monitor is usually inserted by a neurosurgeon while
the patient is in the ICU or operating room. After using
numbing medicine (local
anesthetic), the neurosurgeon makes a skin
incision and inserts the ICP monitor into the brain
through a very small hole created in the skull. The ICP
monitor is usually inserted in the left or right top-front
part of the brain. Some ICP monitors can drain
spinal fluid if necessary.
How long is ICP monitoring used?
The monitor remains in place as long as there is concern
regarding elevated pressures surrounding the brain. If the
pressures surrounding the brain are abnormally high, doctors
and nurses institute measures aimed at controlling the
pressures to prevent brain injury.
Does ICP monitoring hurt?
Most patients who need
ICP monitoring are
unconscious and feel little to no pain with this
procedure.
Are there any potential
complications associated with ICP monitoring?
Potential complications associated with
ICP monitoring include infection and brain
hemorrhage, which are very infrequent.
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Intracranial Pressure Monitoring (ICP) |
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Intracranial Pressure Monitoring (ICP) 
