Intracranial pressure monitoring

Early identification and treatment of secondary injuries following acute brain injury is of benefit both in terms of mortality and morbidity. Elevation of ICP is an independent predictor of outcome from traumatic coma. Clinical assessment of ICP is difficult in unconscious patients and there is a poor correlation between the appearances on radiological imaging and direct measurement of ICP. Measurement of ICP and the targeting of therapies to reduce elevated ICP and preserve CPP are components in the management of severe brain injury.