Associated Conditions & Findings
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
Increased intracranial pressure is elevated pressure inside the skull, which can result from fluid buildup like hydrocephalus.
In short: Increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
- It can result from hydrocephalus.
- Signs include a bulging fontanelle, vomiting, and irritability.
- It is monitored and managed by the care team.
- Recognizing it early allows prompt treatment.
What it is
It is elevated pressure within the skull, which can result from a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (as in hydrocephalus) or other causes. Because the skull is a largely enclosed space, changes in its contents affect pressure.
Understanding Increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
In children with encephalocele, raised pressure most often relates to hydrocephalus and is monitored through signs such as a bulging or tense fontanelle, rapid head growth, vomiting, irritability, or changes in alertness. Recognizing these signs early allows prompt evaluation and treatment, such as a shunt or ETV, to relieve the pressure.
Why it matters
Understanding increased intracranial pressure helps families know the warning signs to report and see why head size and the fontanelle are monitored so closely — early recognition allows timely treatment.
Common questions
What causes increased intracranial pressure in encephalocele?
Most often hydrocephalus.
What are the signs?
A bulging fontanelle, vomiting, irritability, and changes in alertness.
How is it managed?
By relieving the underlying cause, such as with a shunt or ETV.
Bottom line
Increased intracranial pressure is elevated pressure in the skull, often from hydrocephalus, with warning signs to monitor.
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