What is one potential complication of untreated increased ICP?

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) occurs when there is an abnormal increase in pressure within the cranial cavity, which can happen due to various medical conditions such as brain injury, tumors, or hemorrhages. If this condition is left untreated, one of the most serious potential complications is cerebral herniation.

Cerebral herniation occurs when the brain tissue is displaced or shifted from its normal position due to the elevated pressure. This displacement can compress brain structures and obstruct blood flow, leading to tissue ischemia (lack of blood supply) and further brain injury. The brain can herniate in various ways, such as downward through the foramen magnum (the opening at the base of the skull) or laterally, either of which can be life-threatening.

The significance of cerebral herniation underscores the need for prompt identification and management of increased ICP to prevent irreversible damage or neurological deficits. Recognizing this complication emphasizes the critical nature of monitoring ICP and implementing therapeutic interventions to manage patients at risk for increased intracranial pressure.