Signs of cranial pressure. Signs of intracranial pressure in a child. The mechanism of occurrence of increased ICP

is an indicator that reflects the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid on the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid or cerebrospinal fluid is a fluid that is formed by plexuses small vessels brain and circulates in special cavities of the brain - the ventricles.

Liquor performs important functions: removes metabolic products of brain cells, has an antimicrobial effect and protects the brain from damage due to mild impacts. U healthy people up to 1 liter of cerebrospinal fluid is formed per day, but their intracranial pressure remains within normal limits.

The reason for this is the constant absorption of cerebrospinal fluid into the venous sinuses - a type of brain vessels. Thus, intracranial pressure depends on the amount of cerebrospinal fluid produced, the conditions of its circulation through the ventricles of the brain and the degree of its absorption into the venous sinuses of the brain.

Increased ICP

Or intracranial hypertension may be caused by a buildup of excess cerebrospinal fluid that begins to put pressure on the brain. This disease is not independent, it is a sign of other diseases. Increased intracranial pressure is a serious disorder in the functioning of the body. Very often, as a result, blood flow to the brain decreases and, as a result, its oxygen supply deteriorates. All these undesirable phenomena can lead to problems in the functioning of not only the brain, but also spinal cord.

Intracranial pressure in children

Normally, the baby immediately has functioning mechanisms for regulating cerebral circulation, the parameters of which do not depend on fluctuations in blood pressure. Increased intracranial pressure in children (intracranial hypertension) can occur in case of prematurity, pathologies during pregnancy or childbirth.

In this case, the intensity of cerebral circulation depends entirely on blood pressure, which can lead to gradual increase volume cerebrospinal fluid(cerebrospinal fluid) in the cavities of the brain. The accumulation of excess volume of cerebrospinal fluid leads to an increase in its pressure on brain tissue.

How to measure intracranial pressure?

Measuring intracranial pressure is carried out exclusively in medical institutions, because it is measured by immersing a special pressure gauge inside one of the body fluids being studied: into the cerebrospinal fluid at the level of the spinal cord or directly into the ventricles of the brain. In modern medical practice There are several ways to measure intracranial pressure:

Causes of increased intracranial pressure

Normally, the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid in a person lying on his side is 100-180 mm of water column. The danger of intracranial hypertension is the likelihood of compression of the brain substance in a limited space of the skull, which leads to diffuse cerebral ischemia, as well as penetration - displacement of brain tissue from one cranial region to another due to a focal increase in intracranial pressure.

Increased intracranial pressure can be caused by the following factors:

• congenital pathology;
• hydrocephalus;
• hematomas, hemorrhages;
• drug or alcohol poisoning;
• outflow disturbance venous blood from the cranial cavity;
• hypoxia ( oxygen starvation);
• cervical region spine;
• overweight;
• increased blood clotting;

When the cerebrospinal fluid pressure increases to 30 mmHg, cerebral circulation arrest and cessation of bioelectrical activity brain Normally, intracranial pressure ranges from 7.5 to 15 millimeters of mercury.

Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure

Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure:

• headache;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• persistent hiccups;
• drowsiness;
• oppression of consciousness;
• double vision;
• transient episodes of visual impairment;
• the occurrence of congestive optic discs.

In cases of pronounced increase in intracranial pressure, systolic pressure increases arterial pressure, bradycardia appears (50-60 beats/min).

Other signs of increased intracranial pressure:

• nervous state;
• presence of bruises under the eyes;
• rapid onset of fatigue;
• increased sweating;
• increased photosensitivity or photophobia;
• visual impairment;
• decreased potency.

Detailed descriptions of symptoms

Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure in children

Attentive parents will always notice the symptoms of high intracranial pressure in a newborn child. First of all, frequent regurgitation in a fountain, regardless of food intake, and disturbances in the movement of the eyeballs should alert you. TO external signs also include an increased distance between the seams of the fontanel and its prolonged unnatural inflating. Normally, the fontanel should be slightly sunken.

In addition, it is important to regularly measure the baby's head circumference, which should correspond age norm. Convex forehead, disproportionate big head and a noticeable increase in its growth rate are signs of incipient hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure. Along with the listed symptoms, the problem is indicated by the child’s restless behavior. A suffering baby screams frequently and on one note, and the monotonous scream can last for several hours. If the diagnosis is not detected in a timely manner, the child lags behind in development - later than his peers he begins to hold his head up, crawl and sit.

In older children, increased intracranial pressure may be indicated by rapid fatigue, severe headache, worse at night and in the morning, squint, nausea, vomiting and convulsions. Among other things, the child may complain of flashes before the eyes, double vision and pain behind the eye sockets. The child's irritability, drowsiness, apathy, tearfulness and refusal to play are noted.

Treatment of elevated intracranial pressure

When treating intracranial hypertension caused by an increase in the volume of blood in the cranial cavity, or cerebrospinal fluid, it is unacceptable to prescribe drugs that reduce the volume tissue fluid. To reduce the volume of blood in the cranial cavity, use breathing exercises, massage, hyperoxygenation. If these measures are ineffective, artificial ventilation of the lungs is used in the mode of moderate hyperventilation. Reliable methods for normalizing intracranial pressure in seriously ill patients are artificial ventilation lungs (ventilation) and therapeutic and protective anesthesia with sodium hydroxybutyrate or thiopental.

The use of mechanical ventilation against the background of therapeutic anesthesia makes it possible to control the level of cerebrospinal fluid pressure. The most important condition normalization of pressure in the cranial cavity is timely, correctly carried out nonspecific therapy aimed at normalizing breathing, cardiac activity, kidney function, etc. The main criterion for the effectiveness of treatment of increased intracranial pressure is the general condition of the patient, and not just the value of cerebrospinal fluid pressure.

Drug treatment

Speaking about drug treatment, I would immediately like to highlight the presence of several options:

Diuretics or diuretics

However, here opinions are divided whether to accept them or not. It is believed that the accumulation of fluid is directly related to the diuretic, because it is easy to remove it this way. They usually take furosemide or diacarb. But, on the other hand, such drugs are not able to influence the excretion of cerebrospinal fluid.

Plasma substitute solutions

With the help of albumin (20%), the pressure between the brain tissue and, accordingly, the plasma is easily reduced. The drug improves microcirculation and is used when there is an identified risk of cerebral edema.

Vasoactive drugs

Magnesium sulfate causes expansion peripheral vessels. It is responsible for providing a diuretic effect and improving microcirculation. And when using Venotonic Glivenol, venous outflow improves, which significantly reduces the likelihood of cerebral edema.

Glucocorticosteroids

The use of Prednisolone or Dexamethasone may be indicated only for critical cases with existing risk cerebral edema.

Traditional methods of treating increased intracranial pressure

IN folk medicine There are many recipes for preparing decoctions, infusions and tinctures for the treatment of increased ICP. Using these tools you can improve cerebral circulation, reduce the amount of intracranial fluid (CSF) and relieve headaches:

Treatment of increased intracranial pressure in children

In the treatment of intracranial pressure, it is important to eliminate the cause of its disturbance. As symptomatic treatment To help reduce the manifestations of increased pressure in the brain, diuretics (for example, diacarb) are used. If the reason lies in immaturity nervous system, then the child is assigned vitamin preparations, physical therapy, swimming pool to strengthen the muscle frame, improve blood circulation throughout the body, walks in the fresh air.

If the cause of poor outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the intercerebral cavities and tissues lies in a tumor or hematoma, which represents an obstacle, then surgery for their removal. Surgery is also resorted to if excess cerebrospinal fluid production is detected. In this situation, a shunt is performed, due to which excess fluid from the brain is drained through a tube into the abdominal cavity or into the cavity of the heart.

Prevention of high intracranial pressure

To prevent increased intracranial pressure in acute brain injuries, you need to:

How to reduce intracranial pressure

In addition to folk remedies, the following can also help in the fight against intracranial pressure: medical supplies, however, you should consult a doctor before taking them. It's about about diuretics (Furosemide or Veroshpiron), as well as medications that relieve spasms and pain (Tempalgin, No-shpa, Spazmolgon).

You should definitely make adjustments to your diet. You should exclude fried and salty foods from the menu, and avoid eating fatty and spicy foods. Eat more potassium-rich foods - potatoes, dried apricots, citrus fruits. And, of course, we must not forget about vitamins, large quantities contained in freshly squeezed juices, vegetables, herbs and fruits.

You can normalize your blood pressure by running, but don’t wait quick results. Changes for the better will be noticeable in six months. Intracranial pressure will decrease, especially if running is accompanied by correct breathing, in which you need to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth.

Physical exercise is also good for reducing intracranial pressure. You can take a small round stick, place it behind your head and “stroke” it neck muscles movements from top to bottom. This exercise can be done for 15 minutes 3-4 times a day.

In addition, you can clasp your head with your hands with your fingers outstretched to thumbs ended up on points on the back of the skull. These points need to be kneaded with circular, smooth movements for 15-20 minutes a couple of times a day.

If possible, you can contact a specialist who will massage the cervical-collar area. The course should consist of 10 sessions of such a massage.

All of these methods can help alleviate the condition of a patient with intracranial hypertension, affecting the main symptoms of this pathology. How can intracranial pressure be reduced radically? This is known to specialists who examine the patient, establish the cause of the development of ICH syndrome and determine possible ways its elimination.

Questions and answers on the topic "Intracranial pressure"

Question:Hello, please give me some advice, our baby is 2.5 months old, after an ultrasound it turned out that she has intracranial pressure, symptoms: crying and bad dream. The neurologist at our clinic prescribed treatment: Triampur, Tanakan, glycine. We asked a pediatrician friend and it turned out that tanakan is drunk only after 40 years. We don't know what to do.

Answer: Intracranial pressure can indeed be confirmed by ultrasound, but the basis for prescribing treatment is still the clinic, i.e. what the doctor sees during examination! In addition to various specific neurological symptoms, which you do not know, there are general cerebral symptoms, for example, regurgitation, anxiety, poor night sleep, etc. Most often this requires minor drug therapy(20% glycerin or other after examination by a doctor). Triampur is indeed a diuretic drug and indirectly affects intracranial pressure, but tanakan is not a drug for treating pressure, especially at this age. Moreover, glycine is good drug, but is absorbed only from the oral mucosa, i.e. it is necessary to dissolve the drug in the mouth for a long time, which is unacceptable for a child under 4-5 years old.

Question:Is it possible to do gymnastics with internal cranial pressure in a 9-year-old child?

Answer: An increase in intracranial pressure is important in a 9-year-old child if we are dealing with secondary manifestation diseases, for example, with intracerebral space-occupying processes, with arachnoiditis, with operated hydrocephalus. If your child is developing normally and has clinical picture If you have only one complaint of headache, then this is most likely not related to intracranial pressure, as is mistakenly believed. To confirm or refute the diagnosis, you need to know clinical manifestations: morning headache, vomiting, dizziness, changes in reflexes, changes in the fundus, etc. If the diagnosis of intracranial pressure is not associated with the above changes, then the diagnosis is most likely erroneous. Feel free to engage in physical education or exercise therapy.

Question:I am 48 years old. High blood pressure cranial fluid from childhood, or rather from birth. Any consumption of liquid leads to an even greater increase in the pressure of the cranial fluid. The only thing that does not lead to an increase in pressure is the infusion urological collection before eating. I have been in this regime of not drinking fluids for several years now, which gives a slight decrease in the pressure of the cranial fluid. A CT scan of the brain revealed nothing.

Answer: Unfortunately, without a personal examination and familiarization with the examination results, it is impossible in this situation to give any specific recommendations for treatment. You need to undergo a thorough examination not only by a neurologist (EEG, Doppler of cerebral vessels, if necessary, NMR or MRI - these research methods are more informative than CT), but also an examination by a nephrologist in order to check the state of the urinary function of the kidneys.

Question:Hello! I am 14 years old and my ophthalmologist noticed dilation of blood vessels at the bottom of the eyeball and said that it could be intracranial pressure, I went to a neurologist and took an x-ray and it was confirmed, but I wanted to know whether it is possible to exercise with intracranial pressure?

Answer: It all depends on the degree of increase in intracranial pressure. Only the neurologist who examined you can give an exact answer to this question.

Question:Hello! my daughter is 11 years old, she periodically feels sick, has weakness and often has a headache, almost every day, for this reason she eats very poorly, the child was born in ICP, she was treated from birth, she recently took glycine, but until she takes paracetamol, the headache does not passes, but I give it to her very rarely. The girl herself is very active, she can jump around all day without getting tired, but she has no appetite. Nausea and headache plague me straight from bed in the morning. Tell me what could cause this condition, pressure, nerves or maybe helminths? About 2 years ago she had Giardia, she was given a course of treatment, but she still rarely had nausea, but she did, and she didn’t eat any better. Yes, one more detail: if she has an appetite, it is late in the evening, and she also loves sweets very much, she can eat sweets and baked goods all day long, but no food.

Answer: This is similar to increased intracranial pressure, the symptoms are characteristic. This condition must be treated together with your neurologist. The disease can cause simultaneous weakness, nausea and headaches.

Question:My child has had intracranial pressure since birth, is now 5 months old, manifestations: staring eyes, pressure does not decrease, ultrasound at 5 months. a cyst appeared. What are the reasons for its appearance? Will the pressure drop?

Answer: IN in this case, it is necessary to consult a neurologist and conduct a comprehensive examination, including for infections (cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis). In the event that the cyst is of organic origin, independently without treatment this pathology it won't work. Only after receiving the results of the examination, the doctor will determine accurate diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

Content:

Intracranial pressure - pressure inside cranium person. For example, in the ventricles of the brain, sinuses of the dura mater, subarachnoid and epidural space. At the moment of intracranial pressure in any of the above parts of the skull, an accumulation or lack of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) occurs, which is provoked by a violation of its circulation. This liquid is always under a certain pressure and is systematically renewed due to circulation from one to another area. As a rule, the update process lasts a week, but sometimes there are violations. If cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in one place, then intracranial pressure increases; cerebrospinal fluid decreases - the pressure decreases.

Causes and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure

Increased intracranial pressure is the accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid, which gradually puts pressure on the brain. This disease is not “independent”, but a symptom of other ailments, such as:

• Meningitis and encephalitis;
• Congenital anomalies;
• Bruises, injuries, concussions (even from the past or due to congenital injury);
• Poisoning (drug and alcohol);
• Hypoxia;
• Hematomas and intracranial hemorrhages;
• Intracranial processes (tumors of the brain or its membrane);
• There is a disturbance in the blood supply in the vessels of the brain.

1. Increased sweating;
2. Nausea and vomiting;
3. Headaches, especially severe in the morning;
4. “Bruises” under the eyes (by stretching the skin, you can see small bruises);
5. Cardiopalmus;
6. Blurred vision, throbbing pain, double vision.

Please note that during changes in weather and atmospheric pressure, these symptoms may occur.

Causes and symptoms of low intracranial pressure

Symptoms of this phenomenon:

• Irritability;
• Drowsiness;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Headaches, especially worse when sitting.

Signs and symptoms of intracranial pressure in children

It is recommended to measure your child's head circumference monthly. A disproportionate or large head, its rapid growth, and a bulging forehead are the first symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. The restless behavior of the baby also indicates this illness: a sick child often screams “on the same note” monotonously and monotonously for several hours in a row. If correct diagnosis will not be delivered on time, the child will begin to lag significantly behind his peers in development (later holding his head up, crawling, sitting).

In older children, increased intracranial pressure will cause severe headaches, cramps, fatigue, squinting, nausea and vomiting. The child may complain of double vision, pain behind the eye sockets, and bright flashes before the eyes. Children also experience irritability, refusal to play, tearfulness, apathy, drowsiness, etc.

Diagnosis of intracranial pressure

Guided only by symptoms, as well as upon examination by a neurologist, it is impossible to understand whether there is intracranial pressure. For a correct diagnosis, diagnostic procedures must be completed. Modern medicine determines intracranial pressure using indirect and direct methods.

Direct method for diagnosing intracranial pressure

Indirect method for diagnosing intracranial pressure

1. Visit to an ophthalmologist. Intracranial pressure interferes with the flow of blood from the eyes, resulting in disc edema. optic nerve and the retinal veins dilate.
2. Ultrasound of the brain, which determines the width of the ventricles of the brain. Most often, this procedure is performed on children whose fontanel is still open.
3. CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). If necessary, a contrast agent is injected into the bloodstream before the procedure. These manipulations will reveal changes that increase intracranial pressure - an enlarged cerebral ventricle, thinning of brain tissue, etc.
4. EEG (electroencephalography) determines the functioning of the brain. If abnormalities in brain function are detected, we can talk about increased intracranial pressure.

Treatment of intracranial pressure

• Choose the dose and regimen of fluid intake;
• Take diuretics;
• Drink teas and herbs that have a diuretic effect;
• Perform therapeutic exercises to help normalize blood pressure, but without heavy physical exertion;
• Stick to a diet that limits salt and fatty foods;
• Avoid saunas and steam baths;
• Sleep on high pillows;
• Swimming, which helps reduce ICP;
• Systematically massage the “collar” area;
• Avoid air travel;
• Eat foods containing potassium - green vegetables, citrus fruits, dried apricots, potatoes;
• Do not change the climate and time zones dramatically.

Watch a video about the types of intracranial pressure:

Today, many people suffer from increased or decreased intracranial pressure, which negatively affects the patient’s condition and can lead to irreparable consequences.

Increased intracranial pressure, the symptoms and treatment of which have distinctive features and nuances, can be caused by many factors.

Intracranial pressure is characterized by the accumulation or outflow of cerebrospinal fluid in a certain place of the skull. This phenomenon is associated, first of all, with a violation of the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, which protects the brain from mechanical damage, physical, emotional overload.

The battleship is concentrated throughout the skull under a certain pressure. In this case, there is a constant renewal and circulation of fluid from one area of ​​the head to another. On average, the update process takes 6-7 days. But if this process is disrupted, the cerebrospinal fluid stagnates in one part, which leads to an increase in intracranial pressure. If the cerebrospinal fluid does not cope with its functions, then the person experiences a decrease in pressure.

Most often, a decrease in the battleship is associated with a head injury or the formation of a brain tumor. In addition, a similar phenomenon is possible when long-term use diuretics, as well as for constriction of blood vessels in the brain.

There are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure. But if this phenomenon is observed constantly, you need to seek help from your doctor. Intracranial pressure increases for the following reasons:

• impaired metabolism, in which liquid is practically not absorbed into the blood;
• vascular spasms that impede the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid;
• stagnation of fluid in the human body;
• oxygen starvation, cerebral hypoxia;
• infectious and somatic diseases, including meningitis, hydrocephalus, encephalitis;
• malignant, benign tumors brain;
• attack of stroke, heart attack;
• constant headaches, migraines;
• excess weight and bad habits;
• food, drug poisoning;
• overdose of vitamin A.

All factors that can increase blood pressure can be controlled or treated. But this can only be achieved if the signs are identified in a timely manner. Increased intracranial pressure causes a lot of trouble, as it causes deterioration general condition. With effective successful treatment It is possible to eliminate not only the symptoms of the disease, but its source.

High blood pressure manifests itself differently in adults and children. Therefore, it is necessary to know how it manifests itself and what should be done when the diagnosis is confirmed.

Symptoms in adults

The disease can be diagnosed independently based on the following symptoms:

• dysfunction of the organs of vision and hearing;
• swelling of the face, eyelids;
• headaches;
• gag reflex, nausea;
• dizziness;
• fast fatiguability, sharp deterioration well-being;
• increased sweating;
• irritability and groundless attacks of aggression.

In each specific case, the symptoms of the disease are individual. For example, one patient may feel weakness and nausea, while another may experience blurred vision or a headache.

If the increase in intracranial pressure is caused by a head injury, then you cannot hesitate in this case, as it may be necessary surgical intervention. After an injury, a hematoma forms in the skull, which prevents the normal circulation of fluids and blood between the parts and organs of the head.

Surgical assistance may be required for persistent headaches and faintness, since these manifestations are usually associated with a ruptured vascular aneurysm. Under no circumstances should you wait until the symptoms of intracranial pressure disappear on their own. You should always seek help from doctors.

In newborns this disease manifests itself in an increase in head size and strabismus. Intracranial pressure in children requires surgical intervention, constant monitoring doctors. In school children, preschool age the disease manifests itself in irritability, malaise and fatigue. The child becomes hypersensitive to current events, and sometimes aggressive.

If a child complains of systematic headaches, nausea, which appear sharply and without cause, then ignore it painful condition it is forbidden. Therefore, it is better to contact a pediatrician who will conduct a comprehensive examination and also prescribe effective treatment.

Diagnosis methods

Signs of intracranial pressure can be identified using computer diagnostics, magnetic resonance imaging. Thanks to this survey You can get a more complete picture of the patient’s condition and diagnose the disease. In addition, a problem with pressure can be determined by congestion of the optic nerve head and venous blood. Newborn babies are examined using ultrasound examination. It is carried out through the fontanel of the skull.

To identify the disease, specialists can resort to a special procedure, which consists of conducting spinal column pressure gauge with needle. This procedure characterized by pain, increased risk Therefore, it should only be performed by a highly qualified doctor.

Intracranial pressure, the symptoms and treatment of which may have specific features, can be identified using all of the listed diagnostic methods. Comprehensive examination allows you to collect all necessary information about the patient’s condition in order to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe effective, surgical treatment. First of all, an MRI or X-ray of the brain is performed.

Treatment of the disease

Intracranial pressure in adults is fraught with many negative consequences. Therefore, treatment of the disease must be effective and timely, since it poses a serious threat to the health and life of the patient. When observed constant pressure on the brain, its activity is disrupted. This may manifest itself in a decrease intellectual abilities and dysfunction of internal organs.

If a tumor is detected, it must be removed surgically. If the patient has hydrocephalus, then surgery is performed to drain fluid from the brain. High blood pressure caused by neuroinfection is treated antibacterial therapy. Identifying the cause of the disease plays a big role, so you should not self-medicate. In some cases, wasting time can lead to serious consequences, including death.

As soon as the first symptoms of the disease appear, you must visit your doctor and take advantage of his competent recommendations. When the disease proceeds without a threat to the patient’s life, he is prescribed symptomatic drug treatment. It helps normalize intracranial pressure.

Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure can be eliminated with the help of diuretics, which help speed up the process of cerebrospinal fluid removal, as well as the absorption of the substance.

Medicines must be taken in courses, but sometimes continuous use is desirable. For example, when the disease recurs. Diuretics should be taken at least once a week.

Nootropic medicines significantly improve blood circulation and nutrition of the brain. They are used in combination with a massage course. You can achieve a quick cure with physical exercise. Most effective look Sports for high intracranial pressure is swimming, which has a positive effect on the patient’s condition.

If the disease proceeds without complications, then medication can be completely eliminated. Their reception can be replaced by such procedures as:

• health exercises;
• manual therapy;
• osteopathic method.

In some cases, to reduce the symptoms of the disease, it is necessary to limit the intake of water and other liquids. Since this allows us to normalize water balance in the body and eliminate swelling.

Pick up effective method Only the attending physician can treat. Based on their symptoms and manifestations of the disease, he can offer the patient the most optimal and effective treatment.

Folk remedies

Treatment of intracranial pressure at home is possible as complementary therapy when therapeutic treatment has already been prescribed. Self-medication is strictly prohibited.

Particularly popular are recipes in which the main ingredients are honey and lemon. One option is the following recipe: mix the juice of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons of honey and 100 ml boiled water. The resulting mixture must be drunk. The course of treatment is 20 days, after which you need to take a break.

You can also do honey masks for the scalp. For one month, rub a few tablespoons of honey into your hair and scalp. Regular use masks help relieve headaches and give your hair a healthy look.

There are several methods for measuring intracranial pressure. First, a special catheter is used, which is inserted into the lateral ventricle of the brain, since it is in this area that the cerebrospinal fluid is concentrated. This method allows you to obtain more accurate data about the disease. In addition, using a catheter, you can monitor and regulate the level of cerebrospinal fluid. For example, when high blood pressure You can pump out a small part of the cerebrospinal fluid, which will allow the condition to normalize.

Secondly, a subdural screw can be used, which is inserted into a previously prepared hole in the skull. This method is associated with risk and is therefore used much less frequently than using a catheter.

Thirdly, the most complex procedure, which is performed extremely rarely, is the introduction of an epidural sensor. It is inserted between the skin and the patient's skull. The procedure is possible only when all hair has been removed from the scalp. The head is then processed antiseptic. After the preparatory stage, an incision occurs skin and the sensor is inserted. Intracranial pressure is measured in this way only in extreme conditions.

Therefore, it is impossible to measure the pressure level in the brain yourself. Therefore, if you begin to notice symptoms and signs of high intracranial pressure, then immediately consult a therapist.

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a quantitative indicator that reflects the strength of the effect of cerebrospinal fluid on brain tissue.

The presence of pathology may be indicated by minor headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision. People usually do not pay attention to such signs.

ICP may indicate severe structural damage to the brain tissue. How to measure intracranial pressure at home?

In the ventricles of the brain, the subarachnoid space of the brain and spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid and cerebrospinal fluid constantly circulate. It protects the “gray matter” from overload and injury, is always under pressure, and is regularly updated.

But with a number of violations, cerebrospinal fluid begins to accumulate in one area, contributing to an increase in ICP. If a person is healthy, his functioning blood vessels and cerebrospinal fluid are stable.

If left untreated, the pathology leads to the following complications:

• death (usually observed with sharp increase ICP);
• pinching of the cerebellum in the foramen magnum, which contributes to respiratory failure, decreased sensitivity of the limbs, and disturbance of consciousness;
• epileptic syndrome;
• blurred vision, blindness;
• mental dysfunction;
• ischemic, hemorrhagic strokes.

Forms of pathology in adults

The following forms of ICP are distinguished:

1. Spicy. Usually results from severe damage to the skull or intracranial hemorrhage due to a stroke or ruptured aneurysm. ICP increases sharply and can be fatal.
2. Chronic. Increased intracranial pressure has been observed for a long time. May be the result of injury, illness, side effect from medications. Often leads to progressive deterioration of vision. The patient suffers from a constant headache that is not relieved by painkillers.

Causes

The following factors influence the occurrence of problems with intracranial pressure:

Manifestations

How does intracranial pressure manifest? Symptoms of intracranial pressure in adults:

Methods for determining ICP

How to determine intracranial pressure? It is impossible to measure intracranial pressure at home. The procedure requires special equipment and certain qualifications.

Intracranial pressure. How can it be measured?

1. Subdural. ICP is measured in emergency situations. Pressure is determined using a subdural screw. It is inserted into the patient's skull through a previously made hole.
2. Epidural. A hole is also made in the skull. The area is first numbed, hair is removed, and the skin is treated antiseptic solution. The sensor is inserted through an opening between the skull and the dura mater. This is a more gentle method, but is used only for adults. Does not reduce ICP.
3. Intraventricular catheter. A catheter is inserted into the burr hole. With its help, the doctor receives data, the cerebrospinal fluid is pumped out, and the pressure decreases. But if the pressure is too high, insertion of the catheter becomes more difficult.
4. Application of invasive intraparenchymal sensors. Typically consisting of a thin fiber optic wire that is connected to a miniature transducer at the end. The systems are easy to install and have a low degree of brain trauma. ICP can be controlled even with severe swelling brain and ventricular compression. But many models of such systems are fragile and can drift during measurements, distorting ICP values.

Such techniques can lead to various complications. The most common are infectious. The highest incidence of infectious complications is observed in the latter two methods.

Factors influencing infectious complications when monitoring ICP:

• pressure level is above 20 mm Hg;
• intracranial effusion with blood leaking into the ventricles;
• the presence of other infections in the body;
• neurosurgical intervention;
• invasive monitoring continues for more than five days;
• failure to comply with aseptic rules during system installation.

Intracerebral hemorrhage is also possible.

All of the above methods are complex and can pose danger to the patient. They are usually used for injuries, brain swelling, and other life-threatening conditions.

How to check intracranial pressure using non-invasive methods. And is this possible? Such methods are safe, but not accurate.

They do not measure ICP in one area of ​​the brain several times. Intracranial pressure is checked in the following ways:

Ophthalmoscopy

Another way is to examine the fundus. The technique is widely used in clinics and is performed by an ophthalmologist.

Increased ICP is indicated by signs: tortuous, dilated vessels, swelling optic discs. In the absence of such manifestations, ICP is considered normal.

First, a special solution is instilled to dilate the pupils. The doctor examines the fundus of the eye using a magnifying glass and a mirror at a certain distance.

An ophthalmoscope is also used. A beam of light is directed into the patient's eye, the source of which is an ophthalmoscope lamp or another source. The beam is directed to the retina through the pupil, which helps to see the optic disc, macula, retinal vessels, and periphery.

All types of ophthalmoscopy are performed on a dilated pupil. In some eye diseases, the pupil cannot be artificially dilated. For example, with glaucoma.

Types of research:

If the ophthalmologist detects changes, he refers the patient to a neurologist. Further diagnostics increased ICP continues with MRI and other methods.

MRI is an examination that is carried out using electromagnetic radiation . They are carried out for people if their weight does not exceed 150 kg and there are no metal objects (bullets, pacemakers, pins) in their body.

The patient lies down on a sliding table and is placed in a capsule. First, he takes off jewelry and watches, puts away magnetic cards, phones, and takes off clothes with buttons and buckles.

He puts a special helmet on his head. Coils around the head receive radio waves. The procedure can last about 40 minutes.

Also carry out computed tomography brain (CT). This study is carried out using x-rays.

The procedure cannot be called safe, as indicated by the number of contraindications:

• pregnancy;
• diabetes;
• pacemaker, pins, insulin pump;
• renal and liver failure;
• allergy to contrast agent (if CT scan is performed with contrast);
• A nursing woman who has undergone a CT scan should not feed her baby her own milk on the day of the examination.

CT scan can accurately show the physical structure of the brain. Provides high precision on lesions bone tissue, diseases of internal organs.

MRI also determines the presence or absence of discrepancies in the chemical composition of tissues. The procedure is indispensable for studying the condition of soft tissues, cartilage, and brain structures.

At CT scan the patient receives a dose X-ray exposure, albeit minimal. MRI does not have a negative effect on the body.

Other techniques

Duplex scanning of vertebrates and carotid arteries takes about 10 minutes. This study evaluates the speed of blood flow and the condition of blood vessels.

Rheoencephalography - a non-invasive method functional diagnostics . The resistance of the tissues of the skull and brain to electric current is measured.

The patient sits on a chair, wires are fixed on his head, and light pulses are directed at him. Current fluctuations, appearing in time with the pulsation, are displayed in the form of a graph.

How to find out what intracranial pressure a child has? ICP for a baby - no less dangerous pathology than for adults.

Methods:

It is impossible to measure intracranial pressure at home.

But by paying attention to suspicious symptoms (dizziness, headaches, nausea and other manifestations), you can suspect the presence of a pathology and immediately consult a doctor.

Doctors can perform invasive and non-invasive measurements. The first are traumatic and unsafe, the second are less informative and will not give exact result. But with their help, it is already possible to detect some deviations and begin pathology therapy.

It occurs due to changes in brain tissue (parenchyma), blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Reduced intracranial pressure, like increased pressure, appears due to a decrease, increase or disruption of the circulation of cerebral fluid, so it has a special role in this system. Such a condition is not independent disease, but acts as a concomitant symptom of the main illness or pathological condition of the body.

Causes of low intracranial pressure

In moments of physical activity, loud screaming, overexertion certain groups muscles or body systems, the pressure inside the skull sometimes increases to 60 mmHg. Art., this condition is physiological, soon normalizes and does not harm health.

Enter your pressure

Move the sliders

The normal level of intracranial pressure depends on the age of the person. For children from birth to 1 year at rest it is 1.5-6 mmHg. Art., from 1 year to 16 years - 4-7 mm Hg. Art., for teenagers after 15 years and adults - 4-15 mm Hg. Art. Mechanisms for reducing intracranial pressure:

• reduction in cerebrospinal fluid production;
• increasing the permeability of the barrier between the central nervous and circulatory systems;
• permanent compression and decreased tone of cerebral vessels;
• restricting access to the brain nutrients and oxygen in the required amount;
• increased absorption of cerebrospinal fluid into the blood;
• decreased intensity and speed of cerebral blood flow;
• decrease in the volume of circulating cerebral fluid in the brain.

Factors influencing the reduction of intracranial pressure:

• traumatic brain injury, brain surgery;
• neoplasms, damage, bleeding;
• osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;
• lumbar or spinal punctures;
• narrowing of the cerebral arteries;
• intestinal infections, intoxication;
• long-term use of diuretics;
• hypotension, dehydration, allergies;
• cerebrovascular accident;
• bad habits, overwork;
• prolonged narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels;
• physical and emotional stress;
• hormonal imbalance, vitamin deficiency;
• pathologies of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems;
• pregnancy and menstruation in women.

Symptoms of pathology

Increased intracranial pressure is easier to detect because it has pronounced symptoms. With a reduced one, everything is much more complicated. In most cases, it does not manifest itself in any way for quite a long time, developing very slowly. Sometimes ICP decreases critically, this condition is accompanied by pathological manifestations. Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate from the symptoms of the underlying or concomitant disease, which caused low intracranial pressure.

The main symptoms of low intracranial pressure:

• pain in the heart, disorders of consciousness;
• low blood pressure;
• nausea, vomiting, heaviness in the stomach;
• sleep disorder, seizures;
• drowsiness, dizziness, frequent fainting;
• severe pain in the head, more pronounced when raising the head or sitting;
• lethargy, irritability, increased fatigue;
• bright spots, flashes before the eyes;
• low performance.

Headache with low intracranial pressure is not eliminated with the help of medications, but subsides when the head is lowered in a supine position, as well as when the jugular veins are compressed.

Diagnostic procedures

When making a diagnosis, it should be borne in mind that low ICP is only a symptom of the underlying disease. It is important to detect the cause in time similar condition. Used for this various methods diagnostics The main methods for determining reduced ICP and the anomaly that provokes it are indicated in the table.

Treatment of low intracranial pressure

To obtain adequate and professional medical care, you should consult a highly specialized doctor:

• neurologist;
• cardiologist;
• angioneurologist;
• neurologist;
• cerebrovascular surgeon.

Treatment methods for low intracranial pressure primarily depend on the cause of this pathology. As a rule, after eliminating the provoking factor, the pressure inside the skull normalizes on its own. Basic therapeutic methods include:

• cure acute and chronic diseases;
• normalization of lifestyle;
• therapeutic exercises, moderate physical activity;
• use of preventive recommendations;
• physiotherapy, water treatments;
• homeopathy, .

Medication

Therapy for low intracranial pressure with medicines carried out only after consulting a doctor, often performed in a hospital setting. This method is used in the chronic presence of pathology, which is accompanied by severe symptoms and crisis conditions. Various medications are used to increase intracranial pressure:

• droppers with saline solution;
• caffeine-containing products that increase vascular tone and stimulate blood flow;
• peptides and amino acids that reduce the load on the brain and stimulate metabolism;
• vitamin and mineral complexes;
• nootropic drugs aimed at improving cerebral circulation.

The most popular injections and tablets:

• "Phenibut";
• "Caffetamine";
• "Cerebrolysin";
• "Pyramein";
• "Piracetam";
• "Glycine";
• "Askofen";
• "Vinpocetine";
• "Saparal".