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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Increased Intracranial Pressure
      Category : Health Centers > Brain and Nervous System

Increased Intracranial Pressure

Alternate Names : Intracranial Hypertension, Elevated Intracranial Pressure

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

Increased intracranial pressure means that the pressure inside the skull is abnormally high, which may cause damage to the brain.

What is going on in the body?

There is normally a small amount of pressure inside the skull. This pressure can become elevated from various conditions. An increased pressure in the skull can put too much pressure on the brain and decrease blood flow to the brain. Increased pressure can also force the brain downward onto the brainstem. This area controls vital functions like breathing, so this is a potentially fatal problem.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Increased intracranial pressure may be caused by:

  • brain tumors
  • bleeding inside the skull, such as intracerebral hemorrhage
  • infection inside the skull, such as encephalitis
  • blood clots, known as hematomas
  • certain medications
  • head injury or trauma
  • There are other causes, and in some cases the cause is not known.


       

    Next section

       

    Increased Intracranial Pressure: Symptoms & Signs

    Author: Adam Brochert, MD
    Reviewer: William M. Boggs, MD
    Date Reviewed: 07/24/01



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