Diagnosis & Imaging

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring

Intracranial pressure monitoring is the direct measurement of pressure inside the skull over time, used in selected situations.

In short: Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring

It directly measures pressure inside the skull over time.
It is used in selected situations, often in critical care.
It can reveal pressure patterns and waves.
It helps guide treatment decisions.

What it is

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is the direct measurement of the pressure inside the skull over a period of time, using a small device placed into the brain or its fluid spaces. It is used in selected situations to assess pressure and guide treatment.

Understanding Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring

A monitor (such as a probe placed into the brain tissue or a catheter in a ventricle) continuously measures ICP, revealing not just a single value but patterns over time — including pressure waves (such as Lundberg waves) that indicate reduced compliance. ICP monitoring is used in critical settings (such as after severe brain injury) and sometimes to evaluate complex hydrocephalus situations where the relationship between pressure and symptoms is unclear. The information helps guide decisions — for example, whether and how to treat raised pressure. Because it is invasive, ICP monitoring is reserved for situations where the information is needed to guide care.

Why it matters

Understanding ICP monitoring helps families see how pressure inside the skull can be measured directly over time in selected situations, revealing patterns that help guide treatment decisions in complex cases.

Common questions

What is ICP monitoring?

Direct measurement of pressure inside the skull over time.

When is it used?

In selected situations, often in critical care or complex cases.

What can it reveal?

Pressure values and patterns, including waves indicating reduced compliance.

Bottom line

Intracranial pressure monitoring directly measures pressure inside the skull over time in selected situations, helping guide treatment decisions.

More terms in Diagnosis & Imaging

Shunt series (X-ray)A shunt series is a set of X-rays that traces the path of a shunt to check for breaks, disconnections, or other mechanical problems.
Radionuclide shuntogramA radionuclide shuntogram is a test that tracks a small amount of tracer through a shunt to assess whether it is flowing properly.
DESH sign (disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid space hydrocephalus)The DESH sign is an imaging pattern associated with normal pressure hydrocephalus, showing tight and widened CSF spaces in characteristic locations.
Transependymal edema (periventricular lucency)Transependymal edema is fluid forced into the brain tissue around the ventricles under pressure, an imaging sign that can indicate active hydrocephalus.
Cranial ultrasoundCranial ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to view a baby's brain through the soft spot, often used to detect hydrocephalus in infants.

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