intracranial pressure (icp)

Intracranial pressure refers to the pressure within the brain.  It can be easily measured with a fiberoptic pressure monitor, inserted through a small drill hole in the skull.  Normal pressure in adults ranges from 10 - 15 mm Hg.  It may be elevated due to trauma to the brain, cerebral edema (brain swelling), hemorrhages within the head, hydrocephalus, systemic hypertension, and venous sinus thrombosis.

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