Increased cranial pressure. Intracranial pressure in adults. How to measure intracranial pressure

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a disease that cannot be ignored. A person may think that minor dizziness and headaches that bother you in the morning are nonsense. However, such symptoms may indicate serious structural damage to brain tissue, and the causes of increased ICP lie in dangerous pathologies (hemorrhage or).

Increased intracranial pressure in a newborn baby is especially dangerous. Untreated hydrocephalus becomes a catalyst for serious illnesses. Having discovered signs of the disease, the first thing to do is to be examined by a neurologist. Patients are prescribed appropriate medications and massage. But sometimes it cannot be done without surgical intervention.

Increased intracranial pressure occurs due to edema or increased content cerebrospinal fluid. The causes of excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid can be due to serious pathologies:

• inflammation in the membranes or the brain itself (meningitis, ventriculitis, encephalitis);
• traumatic brain injuries;
• intoxication of the body ethyl alcohol, poisons, or after a person has uncontrollably taken potent pills and drugs.

In addition, the reasons may be the following:

• tumor, hematoma, ;
• ischemic stroke, in which vascular spasms prevent normal blood circulation and also affect the balance of cerebrospinal fluid;
• congenital brain pathologies.

In adults there is a change inside cranial pressure may occur due to chronic diseases and unhealthy lifestyle:

• high level cholesterol in the blood;
• diabetes;
• dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
• excess body weight;
• abuse of nicotine and alcohol;
• oxygen starvation (constant stay in a stuffy, unventilated room);
• passion for self-medication, which shows signs of overdose medicines and even vitamin complexes.

As for children, the causes of increased intracranial pressure in infants in ninety cases out of a hundred are caused by hydrocephalus, which occurs due to birth injuries or pathologies during the mother's pregnancy:

• placental abruption;
• prolonged labor;
• premature discharge of amniotic fluid;
• oxygen starvation of the fetus;
• clamping the umbilical cord neck of the embryo;
• infectious diseases of pregnant women;
• drinking alcohol and narcotic drugs mother.

There are frequent cases of hydrocephalus due to too rapid healing of the fontanel in a newborn, which causes an increase in intracranial pressure. Sometimes pathologically high intracranial pressure occurs due to a disruption in the process of fusion of the skull bones.

External manifestations of ICP

Increased intracranial pressure manifests itself through certain symptoms. They are usually accompanied general decline quality of life and deterioration of the patient’s condition:

1. Signs inherent in vegetative dystonia include lightheadedness, dizziness, increased sweating, darkening of the eyes when getting out of bed in the morning.
2. Symptoms of gastrointestinal distress are often observed, expressed in constant nausea, decreased appetite, and a vomiting reaction to certain types of foods that have always been on the usual menu and have not previously caused nausea.
3. In adolescents and adults, there are signs of circulatory and cardiac muscle dysfunction: temporary tachycardia (rapid heartbeat with minor physical activity), bradycardia (rare, poorly palpable pulse), racing blood pressure, shortness of breath.
4. A characteristic feature is frequent headaches, which intensify in the evening and during sudden changes in weather. Pain syndrome sometimes does not relieve even painkillers or head massage.

Indirect symptoms of increased intracranial pressure in adults may indicate unstable mental and emotional condition person:

• increased nervousness and irritability;
• decreased performance and fast fatiguability;
• depressed mood;
• seizures unreasonable fear or anxiety;
• decreased sexual activity;
• isolation and reluctance to make contact.

Outwardly, the person looks emaciated, has an unhealthy bluish complexion and dark circles under the eyes.

Manifestations of hypertension in newborns

Infants also notice color changes skin: Usually in children with increased intracranial pressure, they appear pale, and during crying spells they appear bluish-burgundy.

The strong one keeps them up at night. If you give a light massage to the back of the head, they may calm down for a while, but in the morning they will cry again for no reason. Parents should be concerned about their baby’s behavior if they observe symptoms of hypertension:

• enlargement of the fontanel (large and small);
• pulsation noticeable to the eye in the area of ​​the fontanel;
• an increase in the size of the sutures between the bones of the skull;
• bright venous network on the temples;
• strong tilting of the head back during sleep;
• slight tremor of the chin at rest;
• frequent “fountain” vomiting after eating;
• “oddities” in the child’s vision, for example, looking at one point or lack of focus;
• lethargy of the limbs, “dangling” of the hands and feet.

If you observe a similar clinical picture in a child, you should immediately report suspicions to the pediatrician and undergo an examination by a neurologist.

Methods for diagnosing ICP

In some cases, it is possible to determine increased intracranial pressure by preliminary diagnosis, that is, by the method external examination neurologist and ophthalmologist. Symptoms in newborns are noted when measuring the circumference of the child's head and the ratio of the indicators to body growth. Pathological progression of head enlargement indicates impaired brain development and the presence of increased intracranial pressure.

The doctor also pays attention to the proportionality of the forehead and brow ridges, to whether hairline, degree of protrusion eyeball, coloring of the skin. A neurologist analyzes the general psychomotor development of the child, observes whether there is a tremor of the chin or frequent twitching of the head.

An ophthalmologist can confirm the diagnosis based on an analysis of the fundus: he determines whether there is swelling in the optic nerve head, whether contour blur is present, and whether myopia is progressing. Listed symptoms observed together indicate pathological intracranial pressure.

Among modern techniques surveys are used following methods:

• neurosonography ( ultrasonography brain);
• computer diagnostic methods.

To clarify the diagnosis, intracranial pressure is measured using a special pressure gauge, which is attached to a crater inserted into the spinal canal. However, this procedure is quite complex and is only possible in an intensive care unit or in a neurosurgery clinic. To measure blood pressure in newborns and children under 1 year of age, echocephaloscopy or neurosonography is preferred.

Echoencephalography is an absolutely painless procedure and less dangerous than inserting a crater into the spinal canal. As a rule, the method is used while the child is sleeping. The head is lubricated with a special gel, then a special helmet with slots for sensors is put on. Ultrasound signals are recorded for 5 to 10 minutes, after which the indicators are analyzed using computer testing.

The treatment strategy is determined only on the basis of a complete comprehensive examination.

Surgical intervention

In some cases, surgery is not possible. Hypertension in children can become a catalyst for serious irreversible pathologies. Therefore, if traditional therapy, where drugs and restorative massage, does not help, surgery cannot be postponed.

Before the operation, the patient must undergo preparatory stage, during which he takes medications prescribed by a doctor to stabilize blood pressure and prevent increased blood clotting.

The operation itself consists of inserting a shunt (outlet tube), through which excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulated in the ventricles of the brain is removed.

If the cause of high intracranial pressure is a tumor, craniotomy is performed to remove dangerous formation.

Subsequently, the patient is again prescribed tablets to restore pressure, and also undergoes strengthening therapy, including massage and gymnastics.

Drug treatment

If a person has, it seems to him that it is easier to take painkillers than to seek advice in a timely manner. However, drugs for the treatment of increased intracranial pressure and relief of the condition are prescribed only by doctors, after examination and diagnosis:

1. Inflammatory edema relieved with analgesics (ibuprofen, indomethacin, paracetamol).
2. Meningococcal infection is treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics.
3. Intracranial pressure is reduced with diuretics (Lasix, Veroshpiron, Diacarb).

Drugs for pain relief are selected taking into account age and individual sensitivity. This could be aspirin, ibuprofen and other medications that have additional anti-inflammatory effects.

In parallel with by medicinal method, massage and other restorative procedures are prescribed.

Strengthening procedures

Contrary to popular belief about the omnipotence of folk methods, increased intracranial pressure cannot be treated with home remedies. Healing herbs, diets and massage can only reduce symptoms or strengthen the body for its successful recovery.

Only a specialist can determine the seriousness of the situation and prescribe adequate treatment. Even such a procedure as a head massage is best left to chiropractor or learn from him for two or three sessions how to do it correctly.

Usually warms up occipital part(when there are symptoms of headache in the temples, they are also massaged). If a person does a head massage on his own, it is most convenient to place your palms on the top of the head and move thumbs from the back of the head to the base of the neck. Massage can be done every day. In addition to relieving headaches, the procedure stimulates normal circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.

During recovery, it is important to follow a diet. The menu should not contain spicy and fatty foods. Nursing mothers should pay special attention to their diet. Black coffee and tea can be easily replaced with infusions of chicory root or fireweed (fireweed). And before bed, it’s good to drink soothing infusions with mint or motherwort.

If a child sleeps restlessly, baths with chamomile infusion and a general relaxing massage can help. Both adults and children are advised to sleep only in a well-ventilated area and to go for walks as often as possible. fresh air.

Increased intracranial pressure does not always require treatment. If this condition is temporary, therapy is not needed. A persistent increase in ICP requires careful diagnosis.

Every person has intracranial pressure. This normal condition body. Depending on certain circumstances, it may rise or fall. However, not all people understand well why intracranial pressure is dangerous. If it is too high, it is fraught with negative consequences.

It is necessary to understand what happens inside the skull when pressure increases. The brain is surrounded vascular network and cerebrospinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid). Pressure increases when the normal outflow of this substance.

The process of increasing pressure can be gradual or sudden. With a gradual increase, adaptation has time to occur within the brain. It is extremely important to solve the problem as soon as possible, since the disease can become chronic, and the consequences will be dire due to the risk of developing a stroke.

Increased intracranial pressure leads to deterioration of cerebral circulation and normal brain activity.

A person notices how sharply memory and reaction deteriorate. Constant headaches can be unbearable. If nothing is done, a mental disorder may even develop.

Increased blood pressure in newborns

Increased intracranial pressure levels are often found in newborns. Although this is a serious symptom, it does not necessarily pose a significant threat. If the deviation from the norm is insignificant, it is possible that the indicators will soon return to normal.

Parents can provide invaluable assistance with this. If you create suitable conditions for the child’s body, in the absence serious pathologies his blood pressure quickly returns to normal. It is important to spend time with him in the fresh air every day, monitor his diet and carry out a special massage.

If simple measures do not have an effect, and intracranial pressure remains above normal for long period, action must be taken. The specialist will prescribe a complex diagnostic measures, which will help to accurately determine the cause of the deviation from the norm.

Both adults and infants may need emergency care if intracranial pressure increases very quickly. At sharp jump the risk of death increases significantly.

Complications of intracranial pressure

If you do not pay due attention to the existing problem and do not start adequate treatment, you may develop serious complications. High intracranial pressure often causes premature death or serious pathologies that cause disability.

If intracranial pressure is not treated, the following consequences may occur:

• complete loss of vision;
• mental problems;
• respiratory dysfunction;
• limb weakness;
• confusion;
• pinching of the cerebellum.

Often, increased intracranial pressure leads to the development of problems in the cardiovascular area. Some people suffering from this problem have even experienced epileptic seizures.

Complications that can cause the death of a patient include the following:

• coma;
• ischemic stroke;
• hemorrhagic stroke.

Death usually occurs when one of the above symptoms occurs.

Types of complications

There are otogenic and rhinogenic intracranial complications. They usually occur when there is high intracranial pressure caused by injury. In addition, we should not forget about orbital complications.

Otogenic intracranial complications are much more common than rhinogenic ones and make up the bulk of intracranial abnormalities.

Intracranial rhinogenic complications are as follows:

Otogenic intracranial complications are those that arise due to the penetration of any infection into the cranial cavity. The most common ailment is purulent meningitis. In the absence of adequate treatment, the patient's death may occur.

Intracranial trauma rarely leads to the development of rhinogenic complications. Such problems usually develop after surgical operations on the paranasal sinuses, due to chronic sinusitis and previous furunculosis.

Causes of the disease

Sometimes, in order to prevent certain problems, it is worth knowing why they may arise. If some diseases are properly treated in a timely manner, you may never encounter increased intracranial pressure.

An increase in cerebrospinal fluid pressure can begin due to the following diseases and pathologies:

• aneurysm rupture;
• subarachnoid hemorrhage;
• tumors in the brain;
• various head injuries;
• hemorrhage in the ventricles of the brain;
• subdural hematoma;
• encephalitis;
• hydrocephalus;
• hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage.

Unfortunately, often competent treatment starts very late as many people do not take the symptoms seriously high blood pressure inside the skull.

Symptoms of the disease

If you notice several of the following factors, it is important to contact a specialist for advice as soon as possible:

• frequent headaches, the intensity of which increases in the morning;
• increased fatigue when habitual loads become unbearable;
• incontinence or difficulty passing feces and urine;
• nausea and vomiting;
• heavy sweating;
• constant dizziness;
• sudden changes in blood pressure;
• memory impairment;
• loss of normal motor coordination;
• weakened vision, loss of clarity, double vision.

Since young children, as a rule, cannot clearly explain what is bothering them, it is important to carefully monitor the condition of your child. If a child behaves restlessly, does not sleep well at night, or is capricious, it is possible that something hurts. It is important to carefully examine the fontanelles. If they pulsate or visibly swell, the problem is likely high intracranial pressure.

Children with this condition may experience the following symptoms:

• the baby rolls his eyes;
• behaves either too lethargically or excessively irritable;
• refuses food or vomits;
• convulsions appear.

If you have several symptoms, it is best to call an emergency team. With a sharp jump in intracranial pressure, coma and even instant death can occur.

Diagnostic measures

Before prescribing treatment, the doctor will examine the patient and, if necessary, issue a referral for certain procedures. As the medical monograph shows, the direct line is used extremely rarely. It is relevant only in cases where other, more gentle methods have failed.

Held ultrasound diagnostics brain. Adults may need magnetic resonance imaging, as well as EEG and CT. A fundus examination will assess the condition of the veins in the retina. If they are dilated, this may indicate increased intracranial pressure.

The direct method for determining intracranial pressure is very difficult. To determine it, the surgeon takes a puncture of the cerebrospinal fluid and ventricles of the brain. Since this is associated with unnecessary material and moral costs, this method is used in exceptional cases.

Basic treatment methods

• diuretics;
• neuroprotectors;
• hormones.

Quite a lot important role Diet plays a role in restoring the patient’s condition. It is important to reduce the amount of salt and foods that delay the outflow of fluid from the body. Manual therapy is used.

It is useless to try to eliminate the symptoms that have arisen without fighting the root cause of the disease.

This can only give a temporary result, and human life and health will continue to be at risk. If drug treatment did not give any results, surgical intervention is necessary. The effect of taking medications can only be early stage diseases.

If you experience symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, it is important to immediately seek medical advice. Only the initial stage of the disease can be eliminated with the help of medications. Quite often it is necessary to resort to surgical methods, which are associated with great risk and entail serious consequences. The use of methods is allowed, but only as a complementary therapy.

Frequent, almost constant headaches - this symptom should not be ignored. It may indicate that intracranial pressure (ICP) is significantly increased. It has nothing in common with arterial; This is the pressure that cerebrospinal fluid (other names: cerebrospinal fluid, cerebral fluid) creates in the skull.

Nature provides a kind of protection for the brain from mechanical damage. Circulates in special cavities (subarachnoid space, ventricles of the brain) liquid substance, due to which the brain is in a “suspended” state in the skull. In addition, the cerebrospinal fluid surrounds the brain tissue, preventing it from coming into direct contact with the cranial bone.

Is cerebrospinal fluid to blame for increased intracranial pressure?

To maintain a comfortable standard of living, it has great importance normal circulation of cerebral fluid. It is produced in the brain and is a product of the secretion of special glands.

Cerebrospinal fluid performs the following tasks:

• provides water electrolyte balance;
• maintains a constant level of pressure inside the head (for an adult this is 7 mm Hg);
• protects the brain (brain, spinal column) from mechanical damage.

Disruption of the normal movement of cerebrospinal fluid means the accumulation of excess fluid in the skull and increased intracranial pressure. This may happen if:

• CSF is produced in excess (a condition requiring treatment);
• the mechanism of fluid absorption into the bloodstream is disrupted;
• the vessels through which the cerebrospinal fluid passes are narrowed for some reason.

The amount of liquor can be partially regulated using medications which, as a result, reduce intracranial pressure.

Reasons for increased ICP

Intracranial hypertension (another name for increased ICP) is caused by disturbances in the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, which can be a consequence of certain diseases:

• meningitis, ventriculitis, encephalitis - diseases characterized by inflammatory lesions of the meninges;
• stroke (in particular, ischemic), in which blood circulation in the brain tissue is disrupted;
• serious poisoning, salt intoxication heavy metals, vapors of poisonous gases;
• concussion, bruise and others traumatic injuries brain tissue;
• benign tumors without treatment;
• hydrocephalus;
• hypoxia (oxygen starvation).

Symptoms

Experts distinguish 3 degrees in adults. At a norm of 5-7 mmHg, a first-degree increase (moderate) is considered to be a pressure in the range of 15-20 mmHg. This condition causes characteristic symptoms and requires treatment. The second degree (increased) is characterized by levels of 20-40 mm Hg, and the third degree (significantly increased) - more than 40 mm Hg.

External symptoms of increased intracranial pressure:

• frequent headaches, which are most pronounced in the second half of the night and morning hours: in a horizontal position, the amount of cerebrospinal fluid increases, the liquid is released faster than it is absorbed. The pain is bursting in nature (rarely pulsating), localized in, occipital areas. May be accompanied by nausea, does not go away after taking the pills;
• increased sweating of unknown etiology. Intracranial pressure depends on atmospheric pressure (the lower the atmospheric pressure, the higher in the head). As a result, sudden weather changes cause the patient to faint and other vegetative-vascular disorders: impaired intestinal motility, increased salivation, attacks of suffocation and others;
• change in neuropsychological status: increased irritability, anxiety, unusually rapid fatigue during mental work, especially severe cases- incoordination, episodic confusion, memory and attention disorders;
• deterioration of vision: first the peripheral one suffers, then the central one. Double images, “fog” and “spots” in the eyes may appear;
• pronounced blue under the eyes.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis is difficult: exact values can only be found out through surgical manipulation, which is unsafe for health and is used in case of emergency. The procedure involves inserting a needle with a pressure gauge connected to it into the fluid cavities of the brain.

The symptoms described above are sufficient for indirect diagnosis; if they occur, you should consult a neurologist.

Reasons for diagnosing hypertension:

1. The degree of dilatation of the veins of the fundus. An examination by an ophthalmologist can determine whether intracranial pressure is outside the normal range.
2. Physical expansion of fluid cavities in the brain, rarefaction of the brain matter at the edges of the ventricles. This can be seen using special tomographic studies (CT, MRI).

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a study that allows you to determine how much the brain suffers from increased ICP.

Why is elevated ICP dangerous?

When it comes to adults, there are two forms of intracranial hypertension: acute and chronic.

The acute form is caused by damage to the skull due to trauma or hemorrhage (consequence of a stroke, rupture of an aneurysm). How to reduce intracranial pressure in this case: urgent surgical intervention will be required; a sudden and strong increase in ICP can lead to fatal outcome. Craniotomy - surgical removal some areas of the skull - allows you to normalize the situation.

Increased intracranial pressure is a neurological disorder that can result from injury or illness. Lack of treatment or medication leads to:

• rapid visual impairment, up to its complete loss;
• development of epileptic syndromes;
• violation of mental integrity;
• breathing disorders of consciousness;
• severe weakness in the limbs.

Stages of treatment

1. Elimination of the cause that caused intracranial hypertension.

If the examination reveals that the increase in ICP is caused by some formation inside the brain structure (this could be a hematoma, tumor, aneurysm), it is necessary to perform surgical intervention.

Excessive secretion of cerebrospinal fluid in hydrocephalus is corrected using shunt operations. Their essence lies in the fact that another, additional path is organized for the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid. This helps reduce intracranial pressure.

1. Relieving symptoms of increased intracranial pressure using various medications.

There are no special tablets that would treat increased intracranial pressure in adults. But with the help of certain groups of medications it is possible to reduce total fluids in the body, including spinal fluid. First of all, these are medications that belong to diuretics and osmodiuretics. They have and Negative influence: contribute to the leaching of beneficial salts from the body. Therefore, tablets containing essential minerals for proper functioning of the heart muscle.

Hormonal medications and neuroprotective drugs are also used.

1. Diet therapy.

Aimed at limiting fluid and salt intake. Corresponds to dietary table number 10. Meat and fish broths, garlic and onion, pepper, mustard, chocolate, coffee, cocoa, fresh baked goods, as well as products that promote gas formation - all types of legumes. It is recommended to reduce the consumption of animal fats in favor of vegetable fats. Heat treatment gentle food: boiling, steaming.

Treatment of intracranial pressure should be comprehensive; medications in combination with a proper diet work more effectively. Extremely in rare cases During treatment, a decrease in ICP may be observed, the symptoms of which are manifestations of general weakness - drowsiness, dizziness. Headache it intensifies with every movement of the head. All such conditions should be carefully recorded and reported to the attending physician.

Signs of intracranial pressure in adults can be a harbinger of very dangerous diseases, that is, you need to contact a specialist as quickly as possible. Nature has laid down many protective mechanisms in human body, including into the skull.

If signs of intracranial pressure do appear in adults, this means that defense mechanisms did not work and the brain is in danger. Normal pressure is very important for the normal functioning of all organs, and its increase can lead to pathology in the central nervous system.

Features of intracranial pressure

Intracranial pressure is the pressure maintained by the body in the meningeal sinuses, ventricles of the brain, epidural and subarachnoid spaces within the skull through regulation of cerebral pressure, cerebral vascular tone, blood flow volume, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) resorption, blood-brain barrier permeability, and cerebral fluid homeostasis. A change in the parameters of at least one of these factors includes a compensation mechanism, which ensures the maintenance of intracranial pressure in normal conditions within 7.5-15 mm Hg.

The human brain actually floats in a protective liquid medium - cerebrospinal fluid; in this case, a certain pressure is automatically maintained in the liquid. The deviation of this pressure from the norm causes a change in intracranial pressure (decrease or increase) felt by a person. IN general case stable pressure is maintained due to the constancy of the sum of the volumes of brain tissue, incoming blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Any increase in one of these volumes causes (ICP).

Causes of increased pressure

The most common cause of intracranial hypertension is a change in the volume of cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid is constantly in motion, moving through the ducts, and is absorbed into the bloodstream of the brain. Spent liquor is replaced with new one, and complete renewal is carried out 7 times in 24 hours.

Increasing its volume is possible under the following 3 conditions:

• excessive secretion of cerebrospinal fluid;
• insufficient absorption of fluid by parts of the brain;
• obstruction of the ducts, complicating fluid circulation.

These causes of high blood pressure can be provoked by the following pathologies: traumatic brain injury (possibly even of very early origin); meningitis or encephalitis; genetic pathologies of the central nervous system; impaired blood flow; oxygen starvation; toxic poisoning (including alcohol).

The cause of increased ICP may be an increase in the volume of brain tissue due to swelling and tumors. Finally, intracranial hypertension may result from excess blood mass in the cerebral vessels with abnormal inflow or outflow of blood and a disrupted self-regulation mechanism.

Symptoms of high blood pressure

ICP, when exposed to brain tissue, disrupts the functioning of the central nervous system, which causes the following main symptoms of intracranial pressure in adults:

1. Headaches and a feeling of heaviness in the head, and the symptoms are more pronounced in the morning and at night, closer to the morning.
2. Nausea and vomiting in the morning.
3. Deviations in cardiovascular system, expressed as increased heart rate, hypertension, near fainting, increased sweating.
4. Fatigue, difficulty in studying and mental work.
5. Increased nervousness.
6. Appearance of blue under the eyes.
7. Decreased potency.
8. All manifestations intensify with prolonged supine position(at the end of the night).
9. Impact of weather changes on general state(with a decrease in atmospheric pressure).
10. Impaired visual response, swelling optic nerve, weakening of peripheral vision.
11. Hearing impairment, tinnitus.

Complications of the disease

The consequences of ICP can be very serious, and its development is very dangerous. With a prolonged and significant increase in pressure, the brain tissues, which are in a compressed state, begin to shrink, which causes hydrocephalus, i.e. expansion of liquid space. This process leads to the death of some brain cells. With hypertension, dislocation syndrome develops in only one part of the skull, leading to the following pathologies: displacement of the cerebral hemispheres, temporotentorial displacement, cerebellar displacement, cerebellar-tentorial displacement. When the cerebrospinal fluid pressure increases to 30 mm Hg. cerebral circulation and inhibition of its bioelectric function may occur.

Classification of the disease

In the manifestation of ICP there are 2 forms: acute and chronic. The acute type usually results from severe trauma to the skull or intracranial hemorrhage. In this case, it is typical sudden rise pressure, and to reduce it it is necessary to use craniotomy (removal of individual areas through surgery). This is the only way to quickly reduce such intracranial pressure.

The chronic form is a neurological anomaly, and intracranial hypertension is observed over a long period. This type of disease often leads to serious consequences, for example, rapid deterioration of vision due to swelling optic nerve. The chronic form is characterized by constant headache that does not respond to analgesics.

Diagnosis of the disease

This is only possible by inserting a special needle with a sensor into the skull, which is tantamount to surgical intervention. It is produced in as a last resort. The diagnosis can be made indirectly, based on the following parameters: dilation of the fundus veins, changes in the cavities inside the skull according to computed tomography or with magnetic resonance imaging, changes in blood outflow according to ultrasound data, interpretation of the electroencephalogram.

Treatment of the disease

The causes of ICP and the consequences of the disease are very serious, and the choice of treatment method requires careful consideration. The most common areas of treatment are the following:

• diuretics, sedatives and vascular drugs;
• diet therapy;
• manual methods;
• physiotherapy;
• phytotherapy;
• invasive methods.

It is most actively used to relieve ICP drug Diacarb. For rapid treatment, osmotic (Mannitol) and loop diuretics (Furosemide) are used. It is effective to use dehydrating drugs (Glycerol), which can bind and remove excess water molecules.

To provide antiarrhythmic, hypotensive and sedative effects, magnesium is used by injection. A number of experts recommend prescribing drugs with neurometabolic stimulation (Piracetam, Nootropil, Pantogam, Phenotropil), agents for stabilization cerebral circulation(Cavinton, Sermion, Cinnarizin), homeopathic medicines, vitamin complexes, corticosteroids (Dexamethasone).

At chronic forms non-drug methods are used for diseases:

1. Relaxation of the cephalic venous bed by soft manual therapy— osteopathy.
2. Application of a special complex of therapeutic exercises.
3. Development of an individual diet and drinking regimen.

In case of serious cranial injuries, hydrocephalus, rupture of vascular aneurysm, or a sharp deterioration in the patient’s condition, surgical treatment is performed. Implantation of a shunt is used to remove excess cerebrospinal fluid.

Drug treatment can be supplemented with herbal medicine using traditional medicine recipes. The following recipes are recommended:

1. Juice: squeeze out lemon juice (1 lemon) and mix with honey (2 tablespoons) and water (100 ml). Consumed warm for 20 days.
2. Head rub: pollen mixed with honey and infused for 3 days.
3. Infusion: plantain (3 tablespoons) is poured with boiling water (0.5 l) and infused for 0.5 hours. Use 50 g 3 times a day.

To normalize cerebral circulation, infusions of mint, valerian, motherwort, eucalyptus, and hawthorn are widely used.

Increased intracranial pressure is alarm signal the presence of serious pathologies that can cause complications dangerous to human life. At the first signs of this disease, you should consult a doctor. Only timely and effective treatment gives a positive prognosis for maintaining health.

In this article we discuss intracranial pressure. We talk about the causes of its occurrence, symptoms, possible consequences. You will learn how blood pressure is measured and treated, and whether therapy can be carried out using folk remedies.

What is intracranial pressure

Pressure in the skull occurs against the background of stagnant accumulation or deficiency of cerebrospinal fluid, both phenomena are a consequence of impaired circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.

Cerebrospinal fluid is collected in the cerebral ventricles, in the area spinal cord, in the part of the head between the bones of the skull, head and bone marrow. The main function of cerebrospinal fluid is to protect gray matter from overstrain and damage.

The fluid is characterized by being under constant pressure, with the cerebrospinal fluid being renewed approximately every week.

Disruption of this process contributes to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in one location, resulting in increased intracranial pressure. As cerebrospinal fluid decreases, intracranial pressure decreases.

Causes

A decrease in ICP often occurs with mechanical head injuries, tumors, prolonged vasoconstriction, including long-term use diuretics.

Provoking factors:

• metabolic disorders that impair the absorption of fluid into the blood;
• vascular spasms that prevent the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid;
• a lot of water in the body, which helps to increase the volume of cerebrospinal fluid;
• migraine;
• hypoxia of the head brain;
• meningitis and encephalitis;
• hydrocephalus;
• tumors and cysts;
• stroke;
• overweight;
• poisoning;
• hypervitaminosis of vitamin A.
• and etc.

Symptoms

The development of signs of intracranial pressure occurs gradually. Main role in clinical picture belongs to headaches.

The nature of the headaches is pressing, squeezing, and in some situations, throbbing. Painful sensation occur in the morning after waking up, worsen when lying down, when coughing, sneezing, or physical activity.

Other symptoms of ICP:

• attacks of nausea and vomiting;
• noise in the head;
• blood pressure surges;
• pulse surges;
• pain in the abdomen;
• constipation or diarrhea;
• increased work of the salivary glands;
• increased sweating;
• dizziness;
• suffocation;
• feelings of fear and anxiety;
• irritability;
• apathy,
• drowsiness;
• heart pain.

You can find detailed information about intracranial pressure in the following video:

Pressure measurement

Reliable ICP measurement is only possible in outpatient setting. To determine the parameters, a catheter is inserted into the patient's cerebral ventricle, which contains cerebrospinal fluid. This method allows you to most accurately detect increased ICP.

The pressure inside the skull is measured using an epidural sensor. To install it, a hole is made in the patient's skull by removing hair and treating the area of ​​skin with an antiseptic solution. The touch sensor is placed between the bones of the skull and the hard meninges. This method is contraindicated for children.

A non-invasive technique for measuring ICP is fundus examination. This is an indirect method, during which swelling of the optic discs and excessive filling of the fundus vessels with blood are detected, which indicates an increase in pressure inside the skull.

Consequences

Complications of increased ICP:

• suspension of cerebral circulation - cessation of blood movement occurs when pressure rises to 400 millimeters of water;
• compression of organ tissue - the consequence provokes a prolonged increase in ICP, the disease leads to the death of white gray matter, cerebellar neurons, coordination disorders occur and a decrease in strength in the arms and legs;
• damage to the brain stem - as a result of increased ICP, the organ shifts, the top of the brain stem enters the hemispheres, the bottom pinches the hole occipital bone, symptoms of the phenomenon are bradycardia, symmetrically dilated pupils that do not respond to light, decreased muscle tone, temperature decrease;
• visual impairment - accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid near the optic nerve leads to compression of the latter, the pressure provokes the death of long processes of neurons, swelling of the nerve nipple, inflammation progresses to retina eyes, the result is blurred vision and blindness;
• symptoms of epilepsy - convulsions occur when certain parts of the brain are compressed, the syndrome resembles an epileptic seizure.

Treatment

The main goal of therapy is to eliminate the cause that caused the increase in ICP. If intracranial pressure does not pose a threat to the patient’s life, the doctor prescribes medication, massage, and physical therapy. At high risk the development of complications requires surgical intervention.

Physiotherapy

To thin the cerebrospinal fluid, the patient may be prescribed physiotherapy, namely:

• electrophoresis - a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (aminophylline) is injected into the collar area, the procedure is continued for fifteen minutes, the drug improves the supply of oxygen to the brain, normalizes the functions of the organ’s vessels;
• placing a magnet on the collar area - the procedure reduces vascular tone, stabilizes blood pressure, suppresses the sensitivity of brain cells to oxygen deficiency, and reduces swelling of organ tissues;
• massage of the neck and spine – massage promotes improved outflow venous blood from the head;
• acupuncture - affects reflex zones, eliminates vascular spasms, activates metabolic processes and activity of the nervous system;
• circular shower - the procedure helps to increase muscle tone, activate receptors, and normalize blood circulation.
• Physical therapy and moderate sports – walking, swimming, cycling – will help reduce intracranial pressure.

Drug therapy

Medicines can only be prescribed by a doctor after the diagnostic results and an accurate diagnosis have been made. Groups of medications prescribed for ICP:

• diuretics (Acetazolamide, Furosemide) - reduce the secretion of cerebrospinal fluid by suppressing the transport of chlorine ions;
• potassium-containing drugs (Asparkam) – normalize electrolyte balance, improve metabolism between tissues, and ensure sufficient absorption of oxygen by the brain;
• corticosteroids (Dexamethasone) – relieve swelling, eliminate intoxication and allergic reactions in organism.

To treat intracranial pressure, patients are often prescribed nootropic drugs; in addition to increasing brain performance, drugs from this group increase the organ’s resistance to harmful effects– excessive stress, hypoxia. Patients may also be prescribed medications to improve cerebral circulation.

Surgery

Surgery is the only method of treating ICP developed against the background of hydrocephalus, trauma, tumors and congenital pathologies.

Depending on the degree and nature of the increase in ICP, the presence or absence of complications, the patient may be prescribed one of several types of surgical intervention - bypass surgery, puncture or endoscopic surgery.

When performing a shunt, cerebrospinal fluid is redirected from the cerebral ventricles to the peritoneal cavity or atrium. During the operation, the surgeon makes a hole in the skull where a catheter is inserted. The doctor places the first end of the tube into the ventricle of the brain, and takes the second out. Depending on the type of procedure, the end of the system is fixed in the right atrium or in the peritoneal cavity. The progress of the operation is monitored by x-ray examination.

Bypass is indicated:

• with the formation of cysts that produce cerebrospinal fluid;
• with hydrocephalus;
• when the cerebrospinal fluid outflow tract is blocked.

Effective surgical methods removal of stagnant cerebrospinal fluid - punctures, namely ventricular and lumbar. The first procedure ensures the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the cerebral ventricle through a needle, the second involves the exit of cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal canal.

Cases where puncture is necessary:

• taking a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for histological examination;
• withdrawal of cerebrospinal fluid from the cerebral ventricles;
• ICP measurement;
• administration of medications.

Endoscopy involves perforating the bottom of the third ventricle of the head. Using a rigid neuroendoscope, the surgeon connects the bottom of the cavity and the subarachnoid cisterns, inserts a thin tube into the canal, and the liquid flows through it.

Endoscopic surgery is prescribed to patients in the following cases:

• ICP is caused by traumatic injuries;
• it is necessary to eliminate the shunt system;
• complications arose after bypass surgery.

Traditional methods

Treatment of intracranial pressure traditional methods– only an auxiliary procedure, the use of which should be consulted with a doctor.

Folk remedies for intracranial pressure help improve blood circulation, normalize the functions of the nervous system, and also reduce the secretion of cerebrospinal fluid.

Effective recipes:

• Infusion of branches mulberry tree– grind the dried raw materials, to prepare, take two tablespoons of the raw materials, boil in 1 liter of water – let the broth boil, then boil for another twenty minutes. Leave the broth for one hour. Before use, strain the infusion, drink one glass, frequency of use - three times a day. Duration treatment course- three weeks.
• Alcohol tinctures - make a cocktail of tinctures, for this take 100 milliliters of valerian, motherwort and hawthorn, as well as a quarter of this dosage of eucalyptus and peppermint. Add 10 cloves to the “cocktail” and leave for 14 days. Take the medicine as follows - apply 25 drops to a lump of sugar or dilute in a spoon of water. Frequency of administration: three times a day, twenty minutes before meals.
• Decoction poplar buds– take two tablespoons of black poplar raw material, boil them in 500 milliliters of water for fifteen minutes. Cool the broth and strain, consume the drug 200 milliliters on an empty stomach three times a day. The duration of treatment is about 3 weeks, then take a three-week break and repeat.

What to remember

The development of ICP is caused by:

• pathologies that provoke stagnation of cerebrospinal fluid;
• metabolic disorders;
• a large amount of fluid in the body.

You can measure pressure:

• by measuring by installing an epidural sensor;
• by inserting a catheter into the cerebral ventricle;
• by examining the fundus.

Treatment methods for ICP:

• physiological procedures;
• drug therapy;
• surgical operations.

See you in the next article!

Please support the project - tell us about us