The influence of acute ethanol intoxication on intracranial physical dynamics.

The influence of acute ethanolic intoxication on intracranial physical dynamics was assessed in 42 adult cats. Acute ethanolism significantly alters intracranial tissue compliance as determined by the intracranial volume-pressure response. Cerebral vasodilatation, secondary to ethanol administration, appears to be an underlying mechanism, possibly augmented by secondary cerebral edema. Studies of CSF production and absorption as well as osmolar ratio show no changes under conditions of acute ethanol intoxication. The observed decrease in cerebral compliance may well relate to the poor prognosis, in general, of the alcoholic brain that is subjected to trauma.