Diagnosing Increased Intracranial Pressure

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a challenging complication to treat within a critical care setting. It is imperative that clinicians use a stepwise approach in developing a diagnosis, as to be comprehensive and decrease morbidity and mortality related to increased ICP. This article provides an algorithm that can be used as a clinical guideline when assessing a patient who has an ICP monitor in place and is presenting with increased ICP. The algorithm is inclusive and composed of a history of present illness, review of systems, physical assessment, labs, and further testing.