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Intracranial Pressure (Icp

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Intracranial Pressure (ICP): Overview: ❑ Intracranial pressure (ICP) is the hydrostatic force measured in the brain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compartment. Intracranial Pressure (ICP) is the combination of the pressure exerted by the brain tissue, blood, and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). The modified Monro- kellie doctrine states that these three components must remain at a relatively constant volume within the closed skull structure. ❑ If the volume of any one of the three components increases within the cranial vault and the volume from another component is displaced, the total intracranial volume, and therefore, pressure, will not change. Factors that influence ICP under normal circumstances are changes in arterial …show more content…

The upper limit of systemic arterial pressure at which autoregulation is effective is an MAP of 150 mmhg; once higher than this pressure the vessels are maximally constricted and further vasoconstricto response is lost. ❑ The cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is the pressure needed to ensure blood flow to the brain[ CPP = MAP minus ICP] or [CPP = Flow x Resistance]. As the CPP decreases, auto regulation fails and CBF decreases, which can lead to ischemia and neuronal death. Compliance is the expandability of the brain. With low compliance, small changes in volume result in greater increases in pressure. When cerebral vascular resistance is high, blood flow to brain tissue is impaired. Transcranial Doppler is a noninvasive technique used in ICUs to monitor changes in cerebrovascular resistance. ❑ To maintain cerebral blood flow (CBF), it is necessary to keep cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) in the range of 60 – 100 mm Hg. When auto regulation is impair red, the CBF fluctuates with changes in the systemic blood pressure. This may be seen in the patient that is suctioned or who coughs, which causes a rise in blood pressure, resulting in elevated ICP. MAP that is greater than 60 mmHg is enough to sustain the organs of the average person. MAP is normally between 70 to 110 mmHg. If the falls below this number for an appreciable time, vital organs will not get enough Oxygen perfusion, and will become ischemic. A CPP less than 50 mmhg is

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