What can untreated increased intracranial pressure (ICP) lead to?

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a critical condition that can have serious consequences if left untreated. When ICP rises, the brain is compressed, leading to potentially life-threatening situations such as herniation. Herniation occurs when brain tissue shifts from its normal position, which can compress vital structures in the brain, such as the brainstem, affecting essential functions like heart rate and respiration. This compression can lead to severe outcomes, including permanent brain damage, coma, or death. Therefore, addressing increased ICP promptly is crucial to prevent these catastrophic effects.

While the other options describe symptoms and complications associated with increased ICP, they do not encompass the ultimate threat posed by untreated ICP, which is herniation and subsequent death. Situations such as headaches, nausea, seizures, paralysis, memory loss, and confusion may arise due to increased pressure, but they are generally intermediate manifestations rather than the direct, severe outcome of untreated increased ICP. Ultimately, recognizing and treating increased ICP is vital to avoid herniation and preserve brain function and life.