Neurologist at SM-Clinic spoke about intracranial pressure

Why is pressure inside the skull needed, why can it be elevated, and how does this indicator relate to blood pressure? What are the norms and when is blood pressure dangerous to health and life, how to feel it and how to reduce it, let's talk with an expert ALENA PARETSKAYA
Pathophysiologist, immunologist, WHO expert POLINA PETROSYAN Neurologist at SM-Clinic, specialist in cerebrovascular diseases and headaches

What is intracranial pressure

The brain is surrounded by a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid, which nourishes and protects nerve cells.
Cerebrospinal fluid is continuously produced and flows away from the skull, thereby maintaining a constant pressure. This is intracranial pressure - a certain force that puts pressure on the brain and the walls of the skull. This pressure is changed in mmHg. Art., and normally it is from 10 to 15 mm. If it is higher, this is a reason to be wary, and if the pressure exceeds 25 mm Hg. Art., this can be dangerous for brain function. If the value is more than 35 mmHg. Art. Severe and irreversible changes in the brain are possible - such situations are considered critical.

Measurement principles

The principles of measuring intracranial pressure differ significantly from measuring blood pressure. To date, there are no devices for quickly measuring ICP. Since the structural elements located in the cranium occupy a certain volume of the cranial cavity, determined by its parameters, therefore it cannot change. Due to the fact that the volume of the cranial cavity cannot be changed, the ratio of brain structures is constant.

Measuring intracranial pressure is difficult because there are not enough indirect parameters by which to determine the pressure in the cranium. Depending on the diagnosis, age and functional state of the body, visual examination methods or modern research methods are used to diagnose patients, which make it possible to use equipment to determine the reasons that provoked changes in brain pressure. Invasive techniques through surgery are used to establish clear pressure values.

Causes of intracranial pressure in adults

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is not an independent disease, but a syndrome.
Doctors sometimes call it intracranial hypertension. Pressure inside the brain (similar to arterial pressure) fluctuates when the head is tilted back and forth or to the sides, during physical activity or sneezing. But it can increase to serious numbers in case of pathologies, and there are many of them. “ICP (intracranial pressure) occurs as a result of an increase in the volume of intracranial contents (cerebrospinal fluid or cerebrospinal fluid), tissue fluid, or the appearance of foreign tissue (tumors, cysts, brain abscess), says neurologist Polina Petrosyan.

In addition, the causes of increased ICP may be:

• traumatic brain injury;
• tumor;
• intracerebral hemorrhage;
• neuroinfections (encephalitis, meningitis).

“The cause may also be long-term use of drugs from the group of hormonal contraceptives, corticosteroids or antibiotics,” adds Dr. Polina Petrosyan.
Pressure increases because fluid is either produced in excess (for example, due to an infection that has spread to the brain or its membranes), or because fluid flows out of the skull through special pathways less easily.
If volumetric processes develop in the cranial cavity (for example, a tumor grows or hemorrhage occurs), there will be less space for fluid, and its pressure will also increase.

Lumbar puncture

If hardware diagnostics do not help identify the cause of the disease, the neurologist prescribes a lumbar puncture - a lumbar puncture. It is an invasive procedure performed to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. The procedure can be performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. During diagnosis, a lumbar puncture helps to more accurately determine the degree of pressure increase. For therapeutic purposes, the procedure is performed for benign intracranial hypertension to improve the patient’s condition.

Symptoms of intracranial pressure in adults

In many cases, a slight increase in ICP may not manifest itself for a long time. If the pressure rises sharply or high enough, the following symptoms may occur:

• headache - it can be pressing or bursting, usually occurs in the morning, this pain has no clear localization, it can be felt in different parts of the skull;
• nausea and vomiting - they usually occur at the peak of the headache;
• drowsiness, malaise, general poor health;
• memory impairment (forgetfulness), attention disorders, problems with thinking;
• changes in the autonomic nervous system – surges in blood pressure, slow pulse, increased sweating;
• visual impairment up to complete blindness.

Symptoms may come on suddenly or develop gradually over weeks or months.

Signs of pathology

Changes in intracranial pressure affect the general condition of the patient. This is often preceded by injuries or blows to the head, complications during childbirth, and diseases of the meninges. In this case, the patient cannot lead a normal lifestyle, and the symptoms of increased or decreased ICP are not relieved by taking medications. Such patients are treated in a hospital setting. It is also impossible not to notice pathological changes in this indicator in children. In addition, in the absence of a reason, the pressure cannot increase or decrease and stop at a critical level for the child - serious reasons are required for this.

The physiological basis of painful sensations with an increase or decrease in pressure, as well as other symptoms, is an insufficient supply of blood to the brain and various disorders of its circulation. If fluid is retained in the vessels and cerebral ventricles, the tissues are under constant pressure, which can provoke gradual necrosis (death) of cells. Hypoxia (insufficient oxygen supply) and nutrient deficiency are also observed - this causes disturbances in brain activity or loss of reflexes, depending on the location of the damaged area of ​​brain tissue.

With high blood pressure

High blood pressure is manifested by a pronounced set of symptoms that affect all vital processes. They may be combined with additional clinical signs characteristic of a particular disease. The symptom complex indicating increased ICP includes:

• painful sensations in the head, which are pressing in nature and spread to all areas, often occur immediately after waking up and intensify during the day;
• sleep disorders, insomnia;
• ineffectiveness of standard drugs against headaches;
• nausea and vomiting, decreased heart rate;
• a sharp decrease in vision, inability to focus on small objects for a long time, deterioration of memory and concentration.

For headaches that occur as a result of serious pathologies of intracranial pressure, the patient remains in bed. During physical activity, attacks of dizziness, loss of consciousness, and memory loss may occur. Also, peripheral vision disorders periodically appear, the appearance of dark spots and “floaters” in the field of vision is a consequence of permanent fluid pressure on the optic nerve. With exacerbation, the situation worsens, normal reflex responses to stimuli may partially disappear.

In children, behavioral problems and hyperactivity are often associated with increased intracranial pressure. However, these diagnoses may not be related. Increased ICP in infants is indicated by symptoms such as bulging fontanel, rapid increase in head circumference, and divergence of the bones of the skull. Another alarming symptom is the overgrowth of the fontanel too slowly. If these signs appear in combination with general apathy or excitability, poor sleep, lack of innate reflexes, this may indicate pathological fluid pressure inside the skull.

At low pressure

Reduced intracranial pressure can also be determined by clinical signs. The symptoms are not as pronounced as when this indicator increases, but also affect the patient’s well-being and performance. If the pressure inside the skull is not normal, this leads to the following consequences:

• headaches, which are especially worse when raising the head;
• frequent mood swings, lethargy, apathy, irritability;
• simultaneous decrease in blood pressure if the syndrome is caused by a general lack of fluid in the body;
• headaches, dizziness, fainting may occur after minor physical exertion;
• decreased visual acuity, appearance of dark spots before the eyes;
• nausea, abdominal pain;
• Possible pain in the heart area that spreads to the chest.

First aid for a sharp decrease in intracranial pressure is to take the correct position. Lying on your back with your head down makes the outflow of fluid difficult, so the pressure is partially restored. This factor may also have diagnostic significance - when you raise your head and sit or stand, the pain intensifies, and lying on your back it decreases slightly.

Diagnostics

It is extremely difficult to suspect an increase in ICP based on external signs.
The doctor must know all the complaints and those facts from life that preceded the symptoms. This could be a hypertensive crisis, head injury, severe infection, kidney or liver problems. In order to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe a number of studies to the patient: CT or MRI of the brain to evaluate the structure of all tissues of the skull, note the condition of the ventricles of the brain where cerebrospinal fluid accumulates;

• echoencephaloscopy to determine brain function;
• Ultrasound of the brain (mainly in children through the fontanelle);
• examination of the condition of the fundus by an ophthalmologist;
• spinal cord puncture with measurement of the pressure of the escaping cerebrospinal fluid (the cerebrospinal fluid itself is taken for analysis).

Which doctor should I contact?

If symptoms of liquor-hypertensive syndrome appear, you should contact a neurologist. An experienced specialist can be seen at the medical office by appointment. You can make an appointment by phone @. The doctor will see you at a time convenient for the patient.

The neurologist from the SmartMed clinic has many years of experience in treating noise in the head of various origins, including those caused by intracranial hypertension. To determine the cause of poor health, the doctor will conduct a visual examination.

The examination begins with a study of the patient's complaints and neurological testing. It is important for the doctor to know the person’s medical history, conditions of occurrence, frequency and intensity of noise in the head.

Increased VChP cannot be determined by external signs

The doctor must prescribe instrumental research methods:

• Spinal or lumbar puncture. Designed not only for studying cerebrospinal fluid, but also for measuring intracranial pressure. The procedure is invasive and involves inserting a puncture needle into the spinal canal and then connecting a pressure gauge.
• MRI of the head. Allows you to identify the causes and signs of intracranial hypertension: cerebral edema, vascular thrombosis, enlargement or narrowing of the cerebral ventricles, cysts, tumors, hematomas, hemorrhages. The study is the most informative and safe. In medical MRI of the head, it is carried out on a new ultra-precise Siemens Symphony 1.5 Tesla tomograph, thanks to which it is possible to obtain a highly accurate 3D image. The examination takes no more than 15 minutes, no special preparation is required.
• Ultrasound of the head. Used for children of the first year of life. The study is carried out through an open fontanel.
• Ultrasound of the vessels supplying the brain. Allows you to assess the condition of the arteries, as well as the direction, speed and intensity of blood flow in them, to identify the main vascular disorders that can cause high ICP and noise in the head.
• Electroencephalography. Designed to study the electrical activity of the brain, it allows you to identify areas of irritation of various brain structures.

Additionally, the neurologist may prescribe a consultation with an ophthalmologist. Papilledema, which can be detected during fundus examination, is a sure sign of increased ICP. If necessary, other highly specialized specialists are involved in the examination: a neurosurgeon, an oncologist.

Important! The reliability of the examination for intracranial pressure depends on the technical parameters of the diagnostic equipment and the qualifications of the diagnostician.

Modern methods of treatment

In some cases, the patient does not require treatment; he is observed and treated for the underlying disease, which caused the increase in ICP.
If it is necessary to treat pathology, two approaches are used - conservative and surgical.

Conservative interventions are carried out for those patients whose ICP elevation is chronic and there is no significant deterioration of the condition over time. The basis of treatment is drugs that have a diuretic effect, which reduce the volume of fluid in the head. The specific medicine is determined by the level of pressure and the situation. In severe and acute processes, osmotic diuretics (mannitol) are used, in chronic cases - furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironalactone. While taking them, you need to drink a potassium preparation - Asparkam, Potassium orotate, Panangin.

Surgical methods for treating increased ICP depend on the stage and severity of the disease. In acute situations, craniotomy is performed to reduce fluid pressure on the brain and drain excess fluid. Special shunts (tubes) are installed as planned, which drain fluid from the brain into the abdominal cavity.

Reviews

Larisa, 36 years old: My son was diagnosed with increased intracranial pressure at the age of 14. Before this, he had not made any special complaints, except for headaches, but I thought that this was an age-related problem and would go away on its own. After the examination, the doctor prescribed a course of general massage, Furosemide, Cavinton and Pantogam tablets. After just two weeks, my son began to feel better; in a year he needs to take another course.

Svetlana, 46 years old: My intracranial pressure increased after severe stress when my husband got sick. I had a severe headache, blood vessels in my eyeballs burst, and one eye hurt unbearably. The neurologist prescribed me Actovegin injections, Veroshpiron tablets and physiotherapy - electrophoresis with magnesia. After a week I felt better and didn’t go to the doctor again. But now, in every situation when I worry, I feel the familiar pain in my head. Apparently, one course was not enough, I am going to see a neurologist again.

Anton, 24 years old: I have been boxing since I was a teenager, and in another fight I received a severe head injury. After an MRI, I was diagnosed with increased ICP. I take pills, go for massages and swimming, try to rest more and not be nervous, because I want to return to sports again. So far the doctor says that the injury was severe and another 2-3 courses of treatment are needed every three months. I hope that ICP is not a death sentence and I can make a full recovery.

Prevention of intracranial pressure in adults at home

Prevention of increased ICP is the prevention of various diseases affecting the cranial cavity.
This includes protection against infections that can affect the brain - vaccination against meningococcal and hemophilus influenzae infections, influenza vaccination. It is also necessary to treat various pathologies that can affect brain function. General recommendations are simple:

• follow a daily routine and lead the healthiest lifestyle possible;
• avoid head injuries;
• protect yourself from stress and nervous overload;
• Get enough sleep.

Invasive methods for monitoring ICP

To accurately diagnose cerebral hypertension, invasive methods are used; they are carried out through surgery, when a special sensor is inserted into the cranial cavity through a burr hole. The procedure is carried out in a hospital equipped with the necessary equipment. During the examination, there is a high risk of injury to the brain and spinal cord, so this method is used in extreme situations that require immediate confirmation of the diagnosis.

You can measure cerebral pressure using an invasive method if you have the following indications:

• intracranial hemorrhage;
• stroke;
• hydrocephalus;
• meningitis of an infectious nature;
• posthypoxic encephalopathy.

Important! Thanks to cerebral pressure monitoring, it is possible to coordinate perfusion pressure, which reflects the effectiveness of cerebral hemodynamics, and also makes it possible to evaluate the results of decongestant therapy.

Depending on the location of the drainage system, indicators are measured using the following techniques:

• intraventricular;
• intraparenchymal;
• subdural;
• subarachnoid.

Intraventricular technique

The earliest method of cranial pressure control. The main advantage is the possibility of drainage of cerebrospinal fluid and direct endolumbar administration of medications.

External ventricular drainage

The procedure for measuring ventricular pressure is carried out using a strain gauge. The technique is easy to interpret the results and does not require the use of expensive equipment. This procedure is not only diagnostic, but also therapeutic, since it allows you to control cranial pressure by draining the cerebrospinal fluid.

Parenchema method

During the study, the sensor is installed through the trefination hole in the parenchyma of the medulla to a depth of no more than 2.5 cm. This method is preferable, since the data obtained during the study are more consistent with the readings of intraventricular pressure.

Epidural technique

Direct technique for monitoring ICP using sensors. The technique is based on the introduction of special devices into the cerebral ventricles, which make it possible to measure cerebral pressure values ​​to set accurate pressure.

The following examination systems are used:

• Microsensory. The tensor apparatus is introduced into the required brain area, after which the information converted into electrical signals is reflected on the monitor.
• Fiber optic. Additionally, a drainage system is connected, which allows a moderate reduction in cerebral pressure values.
• Pneumatic. A catheter with a latex balloon filled with air is installed.

Gymnastic exercises

Therapeutic exercises for intracranial hypertension can become an alternative to certain drugs during conservative therapy, as well as a prophylactic agent to reduce attacks of the disease. Depending on the cause and stage of the pathological process, the specialist selects techniques that have lowering properties of brain pressure and alleviate the condition of patients.

A specially developed set of gymnastic exercises is aimed at normalizing ICP, relieving pain and increasing blood circulation.

The most effective exercises to reduce high cerebral pressure:

• We alternately tilt our heads to the right and left sides, forward, backward, pulling the chin to the chest. Next, we slowly rotate the head in any direction. Movements should be smooth, the number of repetitions of exercise elements should be an average of 20 times.
• Grasp the lower occipital region with both hands so that the thumbs are located on the neck muscles, at the level of the earlobe. Then, for 15 minutes, fingers should be rubbed over the muscles from top to bottom to improve the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid. After the exercise, heaviness in the temporal and occipital areas decreases.
• Grasp a small round stick with both hands and place it behind your head. For 15 minutes, with light pressure, we move the stick over the neck muscles and lower occipital region.

Important! In the first days of the gymnastics course, painful sensations may occur due to tension in the neck muscles, but subsequently, when performing the exercises, the discomfort will disappear.

Preparations containing amino acids

Preparations with amino acids help not only reduce intracranial pressure, but also accelerate the production of vital enzymes and reduce the load on the brain. These drugs include Glycine - it improves metabolic processes (metabolism in tissues), has an unexpressed sedative and hypnotic effect, and makes memory sharper.

When should you take Glycine:

• in stressful and conflict situations;
• with decreased concentration, attention and performance;
• during the recovery period after a head and brain injury;
• when under difficult conditions of physical and mental labor.

To improve brain function and get rid of regular headaches, the doctor can prescribe the drugs Cerebrolysin and Citrulline simultaneously with Glycine

First aid

How to lower intracranial pressure?

Very often it is not possible to establish the cause of intracranial hypertension; its manifestations - headaches, vomiting - bother patients mostly in the mornings and nights, causing insomnia and dizziness , and reduce the ability for mental and physical activity. Therefore, many people try to lower their blood pressure on their own, at home, but, unfortunately, they can make mistakes, which only worsen the condition.

Typically, the problem of intracranial pressure worries people after 45 years of age who have problems with weight and hormonal systems. Eliminating the causes is quite difficult, so treatment in adults can become exclusively syndromic.

Primary treatment before the arrival of an ambulance in a serious condition (unstoppable vomiting, clouding of consciousness, convulsions) can begin with the application of a compress of camphor and ethyl alcohol in a 1:1 ratio. It is enough to apply the mixture on your head, wrap it in plastic, for example, put on a shower cap and lie down for a couple of hours.

The situation is more complicated with young children, whose crying can also quite often be caused by intracranial hypertension. Parents need to be alert and not try to lower intracranial pressure at home, but consult a doctor. The easiest way to alleviate the condition is a light 10-15-minute relaxing massage of the head, back and neck, and calmly bending forward.

The first thing to remember is that you cannot tolerate a headache; high blood pressure is one of its possible causes; to complete the picture, you should regularly visit a qualified neurologist and consult a family doctor.

Consequences and complications

• The emergence of areas of distension and the development of dislocation syndromes (disruption of higher nervous activity, respiratory centers, blood circulation, mental processes, consciousness, oculomotor functions, the occurrence of convulsions, anabolic disorders, etc.).
• Transtentorial wedging of the hook into the temporal lobes, entrapment of the oculomotor nerve and loss of the papillary reflex.
• Brain stem damage.
• Heart attack.
• Additional secondary edema.
• Brain death.

Traditional methods of correction

What should patients do to independently stabilize ICP? You can lower the level of cranial pressure at home using folk recipes. It is recommended to use herbs and plants that have sedative and vasodilating properties. However, non-traditional treatment is used for chronic intracranial hypertension in remission.

The following non-traditional remedies will help reduce intracranial pressure:

• Lavender infusion. 1 tbsp. l. place dry raw materials in a container and pour 500 ml of boiling water. Leave for an hour, then remove the sediment. Take 3 times a day, 1 tbsp. l. Therapeutic course - 3 weeks.
• Decoction of bay leaves. To prepare, you need to prepare several leaves, which are filled with 1.5 liters of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and use as inhalation. Course - 14 days.
• Clover tincture. Dried flowers of the plant should be taken in an amount equal to 0.5 liters of container. Fill with alcohol so that the liquid covers the dry raw materials. Leave for 2 weeks, then filter, take the tincture 3 times a day, 1 tsp. The duration of the course is 30 days.

Birch sap has a diuretic effect, due to which it normalizes ICP parameters

Treats intracranial hypertension with a mixture based on honey:

1. To prepare, take 150 ml of fresh lemon juice, 350 g. liquid flower honey and 2 cloves of chopped garlic.
2. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
3. Leave the mixture in a dark, cool place for 10 days.
4. Take in the morning, in the evening 60 minutes after a meal at a dose of 1 tsp.

To quickly eliminate headaches accompanying a hypertensive attack, use lavender essential oil. A few drops of the product should be applied to the temporal area and rubbed in with light massage movements for several minutes.