Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
09:04
Epidural Intracranial Pressure Measurement in Rats Using a Fiber-optic Pressure Transducer
Published on: April 25, 2012
Intracranial pressure dynamics during simulated microgravity using a new noninvasive ultrasonic technique
T Ueno1, R E Ballard, L M Shuer
1Space Physiology Lab, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
Journal of Gravitational Physiology : a Journal of the International Society for Gravitational Physiology
|September 7, 2001
Summary
Intracranial pressure (ICP) may rise in microgravity due to fluid shifts. A new noninvasive ultrasound technique was tested to measure ICP, aiding future spaceflight research.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Fluid shifts toward the head in microgravity may elevate intracranial pressure (ICP).
- Elevated ICP can cause symptoms similar to space adaptation syndrome (SAS), including headache and nausea.
- Current methods for measuring ICP are invasive, posing challenges for spaceflight research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of posture on intracranial pressure (ICP).
- To evaluate the feasibility of a novel noninvasive ultrasonic device for measuring ICP waveforms.
- To assess the potential of this technology for future spaceflight experiments.
Main Methods:
- Development of a new noninvasive ultrasonic technique to record ICP waveforms.
- Study design focused on understanding postural effects on ICP.
- Assessment of the device's feasibility for in-flight experiments.
Main Results:
- The study successfully demonstrated a new noninvasive ultrasonic method for ICP waveform recording.
- Initial findings support the feasibility of using this device in microgravity environments.
- Postural effects on ICP were investigated, providing baseline data.
Conclusions:
- The developed noninvasive ultrasonic technique offers a promising alternative for ICP monitoring.
- This technology could enable crucial research into ICP changes during spaceflight.
- Further validation is needed to confirm its efficacy in microgravity for understanding space adaptation syndrome.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...