Signs & Symptoms
Raised intracranial pressure
Raised intracranial pressure is increased pressure inside the skull, which a glioma can cause, leading to headache, nausea, and other symptoms.
In short: Raised intracranial pressure
- It is increased pressure inside the skull.
- A glioma can raise it by its mass, swelling, or blocking fluid flow.
- It causes headache, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.
- It can become serious and require prompt treatment.
What it is
Raised intracranial pressure (increased pressure inside the skull) can result from a glioma — through the tumor's mass, surrounding swelling (edema), or blockage of cerebrospinal fluid flow. It causes symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness, and can become serious.
Understanding Raised intracranial pressure
The skull is a rigid box, so anything that takes up extra space inside it — a tumor, swelling around a tumor, or a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (hydrocephalus) when the tumor blocks fluid flow — can raise the pressure within. Classic symptoms include headache (often worse in the morning or with straining), nausea and vomiting, drowsiness or reduced alertness, and visual changes; a sign doctors look for is papilledema (swelling of the optic nerve seen on eye examination). Significantly raised pressure is a serious situation that can require prompt treatment — for example, steroids to reduce swelling, surgery to remove or debulk the tumor, or relieving a fluid blockage. Recognizing the symptoms of raised pressure is important, as worsening drowsiness or severe symptoms warrant urgent evaluation. Understanding raised intracranial pressure clarifies a serious effect a glioma can cause and its warning symptoms.
Why it matters
Understanding raised intracranial pressure helps patients and families recognize a potentially serious effect of a glioma — its symptoms (headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness) warrant prompt evaluation, especially if worsening.
Common questions
What is raised intracranial pressure?
Increased pressure inside the skull.
How can a glioma cause it?
Through its mass, swelling, or blocking fluid flow.
What are its symptoms?
Headache, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness, among others.
Bottom line
Raised intracranial pressure is increased pressure inside the skull that a glioma can cause, leading to headache, nausea, and drowsiness, and requiring prompt attention if severe.
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