Julius Gene S Latorre1, David M Greer. 1. Department of Neurology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, USA. latorrej@upstate.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patients with acute brain injury from various etiologies commonly develop increased intracranial pressure. Acute intracranial hypertension resulting from elevation of intracranial pressure is a medical emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and management. Appropriate and timely management strategies result in better patient outcome in an otherwise severely debilitating or fatal disease process. REVIEW SUMMARY: The clinical manifestation and principles of management of acute intracranial hypertension are discussed and reviewed. Acute treatment protocols are presented in an algorithm-based format aimed at utilizing the current available management strategies and suggested therapeutic goals. Individualization of specific therapeutic modalities is emphasized to optimize the clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians treating patients with acute brain injury should be familiar with the principles of management of increased intracranial pressure. Since acute intracranial hypertension is a potentially reversible condition, high index of suspicion, and low threshold for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies will improve patient care.
BACKGROUND:Patients with acute brain injury from various etiologies commonly develop increased intracranial pressure. Acute intracranial hypertension resulting from elevation of intracranial pressure is a medical emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and management. Appropriate and timely management strategies result in better patient outcome in an otherwise severely debilitating or fatal disease process. REVIEW SUMMARY: The clinical manifestation and principles of management of acute intracranial hypertension are discussed and reviewed. Acute treatment protocols are presented in an algorithm-based format aimed at utilizing the current available management strategies and suggested therapeutic goals. Individualization of specific therapeutic modalities is emphasized to optimize the clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians treating patients with acute brain injury should be familiar with the principles of management of increased intracranial pressure. Since acute intracranial hypertension is a potentially reversible condition, high index of suspicion, and low threshold for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies will improve patient care.
Authors: Craig M Smith; P David Adelson; Yue-Fang Chang; S Danielle Brown; Patrick M Kochanek; Robert S B Clark; Hülya Bayir; Jessica Hinchberger; Michael J Bell Journal: Pediatr Crit Care Med Date: 2011-07 Impact factor: 3.624