ICP & CPP Calculations
The normal range for Intracranial Pressure (ICP) per ATI is this measurement.
5 to 10
The term utilized for paralysis of all four extremities.
Tetraplegia
Abnormal body posturing defined by the abnormal flexion of both arms with extension of the legs.
Decorticate Posturing
This type of stroke, accounting for 87% of cases, results from occlusion of an artery in the brain causing ischemia of brain tissue.
Ischemic Stroke
The minimum elevation for the head of the bed (HOB) to promote venous drainage in a client with increased ICP.
At least 30 degrees
This pressure is necessary to deliver oxygenated blood to brain tissue and is calculated by subtracting the ICP value from the MAP value.
Cerebral Perfusion Pressure
This true "shock" condition seen with cervical or high thoracic SCIs (at or above T6) results from a reduction in sympathetic tone, leading to significant hypotension, bradycardia, and hypothermia.
Neurogenic Shock
A collection of blood between the brain and the dura that occurs in approximately 25% of head injuries, categorized as acute or chronic
Subdural Hematoma
This neurological dysfunction is temporary, resolves completely, and is often called a "mini stroke," serving as a major warning sign to seek immediate medical attention.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
A pharmacological agent used to reduce cerebral edema by drawing excess fluids out of the brain, examples include mannitol and hypertonic saline.
Diuretics/Osmotic Agents (or Hypertonic IV fluids)
This doctrine explains that if there is an increase in one component (brain tissue, CSF, or blood) within the rigid cranium, there must be a decrease in the others to prevent increased pressure.
Monro-Kellie Doctrine
A massive uncompensated cardiovascular reaction mediated by the sympathetic nervous system, causing severe hypertension (up to 300 mmHg systolic) and bradycardia.
Autonomic Dysreflexia
This objective scale assesses the extent of impaired consciousness by evaluating the best eye-opening, best motor, and best verbal responses
Glasgow Coma Scale
A hemorrhagic stroke that occurs when blood enters the space between the arachnoid membrane and the pia membrane, often caused by a ruptured aneurysm
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)
The calcium channel blocker used for the prevention and treatment of cerebral vasospasm following an SAH
Nimodipine
A CPP value that signifies ischemia and neuronal death.
less than 50 mmHg (CPP < 50)
The immediate intervention for a client experiencing Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) before attempting to identify the noxious stimulus
having the client sit upright with their legs dangling and removing any tight clothing
A GCS score between 13 to 15 indicates this classification of TBI, sometimes referred to as a concussion.
Mild Injury
This classic response to increasing ICP involves the systolic BP rising, pulse pressure widening, heart rate slowing, and respirations becoming irregular.
Cushing’s Triad
When blood is present in fluid leaking from the nose or ear, this test is used to confirm the presence of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) by observing a yellowish ring encircling the blood on gauze.
Halo or ring sign
The two components that normally comprise 88% of the cranium's contents within the cranium.
brain tissue (78%) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (10%)
The transient condition occurring immediately after SCI characterized by loss of deep tendon reflexes, sensation, and flaccid paralysis below the level of injury
Spinal Shock
The two specific biomarkers found in the blood following a head injury that, if present, indicate the need for brain imaging to assess for TBI.
glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1)
The acronym developed by the American Stroke Association to help people recognize the sudden manifestations of stroke.
F.A.S.T. (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time is CRITICAL)
This surgical intervention involves removing bone from the skull (such as a hemicraniectomy) to provide further room for the expansion of brain tissue and relieve ICP.
Surgical decompression (or decompressive craniectomy/hemicraniectomy)