The effects of lidocaine on intracranial hypertension

In head-injured adults sudden increases in intracranial pressure (ICP) frequently occur in response to noxious stimuli, such as endotracheal suctioning (ETS). Transient increased ICP may have potentially harmful effects upon head-injured patients. One intervention clinicians believe to be efficacious in blunting ICP response to ETS is administration of lidocaine hydrochloride. This article critiques studies that examined effects of lidocaine in attenuating the ICP response to suctioning and similar stimuli. The literature to date, while providing conflicting results, does demonstrate tentative support for the use of lidocaine prior to ETS as a means of attenuating a rise in ICP. Support was found for the intratracheal route of administration. Additionally when intratracheal lidocaine was coupled with muscle relaxants or other anesthetic agents administered at appropriate times prior to suctioning, large rises in ICP may be effectively blunted.