UNDERSTANDING ICP MONITORING


What does ICP mean?
ICP means Intracranial pressure monitoring.
A normal ICP reading may range from 1 - 15.

How is ICP done?
The neurosurgeon shaves an area of the head
and cleans the skin. A device similar to a wall
 drill is used to get into the ventricle. A sterile
catheter is placed in the ventricle and a drainage
 system is attached. This is called an External
Ventricular Device (EVD) and works to relieve
 the excess fluid on the brain.

Mannitol (osmotic diuretic drug) is sometimes
ordered to help remove excess fluid on the brain.
Pain medication, sedation, and antipyretics
(to control fever) are also ordered.

Helpful Hints:
- Follow MD orders
- Remember to record the ICP and drainage from EVD
- Brain injured patients tend to improve with adequate rest

Brudzinski's and Kernig's signs
are seen in patients who have Meningitis 

Brudzinski's sign -When the examiner
 flexes the patient's neck, the knees and 
hips flex at the same time.

Kernig's sign - inability to straighten the leg 
when the hip is flexed at a 90 degree angle.
 The hamstring muscles become very stiff.

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