Intracranial pressure (ICP)

Intracranial pressure (ICP) is a physiological variable defined as the pressure exerted by intracranial fluids (notably cerebrospinal fluid) inside the skull and on brain tissue[1]. At rest, normal ICP in adults is typically 7–15 mmHg, with values persistently above 20–25 mmHg considered pathological and often requiring intervention[1][4]. ICP rises in response to any increase in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid within the fixed cranial space—a relationship described by the Monro-Kellie doctrine[4]. Elevated ICP (intracranial hypertension) is a medical emergency that may result from traumatic brain injury, stroke, tumors, infections, or hydrocephalus and can cause rapid neurologic deterioration, brain herniation, and death if not controlled[2][4][7]. Management targets normalization of ICP as a modifier of disease risk rather than direct molecular targeting[6]. Drugs and interventions aim to reduce the pathological consequences of increased ICP, but do not "target" ICP as a druggable protein or receptor[4][5][7].

Other names

ICPintracranial hypertensionintracranial pressure elevationincreased intracranial pressureIICPraised intracranial pressureRICP

Mannitol and hypertonic saline: osmotic agents that draw water out of brain tissue to lower pressure; Acetazolamide: reduces cerebrospinal fluid production to lower ICP; Steroids: reduce cerebral edema in certain secondary causes; Barbiturates: decrease cerebral metabolism and blood flow.