Intracranial Pressure Monitoring

Intracranial pressure monitoring will help determine if low or high cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is causing your symptoms. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hart Garner today to learn more.

What is Intracranial Pressure Monitoring?

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is a diagnostic test that uses a device placed inside the head to determine the pressure inside the head.
Intracranial Pressure Monitoring image

Why Do You Need Intracranial Pressure Monitoring?

Intracranial pressure monitoring is often done to measure ICP. You can get the test when you have a brain/nervous system disease or severe head injury. It may also be after a craniotomy, especially when there are other associated risks like brain swelling, pupil abnormalities, hypoxia, and more.

TBIs are caused by physical trauma to the brain. The condition can occur after any experience involving a sharp blow to the head. Brain swelling usually occurs immediately after a TBI.

A stroke may also cause brain swelling. Having high blood pressure from this swelling puts you at risk for more strokes.

Surgery on the brain can be risky, especially for someone who has a brain injury, so providers try nonsurgical approaches before considering surgery.

Procedure

Step 1: Consultation
You will be scheduled for a series of tests to help ensure you don’t have an infection or a tendency to bleed. The doctor will also assess your overall health to determine if the procedure is safe for you.

Step 2: Administer Anesthesia
The neurosurgeon will administer general anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

Step 3: Preparation of Scalp and Skull
Your doctor will prep your skull with an antiseptic solution. They will then drill a small hole into your skull.

Step 4: Perform the Test
Based on your condition, the neurosurgeon will monitor your ICP in three ways — using an intraventricular catheter, subdural screw, or epidural sensor.

Step 5: Closing the Scalp
Once the monitoring is complete, the device is removed and your skin will be sutured back into place.

Step 6: Results
Your doctor will carefully analyze the information obtained from the test to determine your ICP.

Recovery
After the procedure, avoid straining and heavy lifting. Ensure you don’t swim or take a bath for a while. But you can shower. What’s more, increase your fluid intake. If you notice signs of delayed infection or persistent headaches, contact your physician immediately.

Contact a Minnesota Neurosurgeon

Visit Dr. Hart Garner for safe and detailed intracranial pressure monitoring tests. Schedule an appointment today.