[Linear relations of brain pulse amplitude to mean intracranial pressure]

A catheter for intracranial pressure monitoring was introduced into the right lateral ventricle in 71 neurosurgical patients. In 63 patients (88.7%) a significant linear relationship was found between the cerebral pulse amplitude (PA) and the mean intracranial pressure (Pm). In 8 patients (11.3%) no linear relationship was established between PA and Pm. PA- and Pm-analyses performed subsequent to these compliance tests are discussed on the basis of the pathophysiology of the intracranial space.