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Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

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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...
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A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
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DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...
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Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

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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...
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A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
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Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...
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Modified Mouse Model of Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Incorporating Thinned-Skull Window and Fluid Percussion
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Thunderclap headache.

Esma Dilli1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, 8219-2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada, esma.dilli@vch.ca.

Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|March 20, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Thunderclap headache (TCH) is a sudden, severe headache. Prompt investigation is crucial as various serious conditions, including subarachnoid hemorrhage, can cause TCH.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Thunderclap headache (TCH) presents as a sudden, severe headache reaching maximum intensity within one minute.
  • While subarachnoid hemorrhage is a common cause, TCH can stem from diverse secondary etiologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the differential diagnoses for thunderclap headache.
  • To describe the diagnostic workup for TCH.
  • To emphasize the etiological basis for TCH management and prognosis.

Main Methods:

  • Initial investigations typically include noncontrast computed tomography (CT) of the head and lumbar puncture.
  • Further imaging like magnetic resonance (MR) brain, CT angiogram, MR angiogram, or CT/MR venogram may be required if initial tests are inconclusive.

Main Results:

  • Subarachnoid hemorrhage is the most frequent cause identified.
  • A broad spectrum of other potential causes exists, including reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, arterial dissection, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.

Conclusions:

  • The etiology of TCH dictates its treatment and patient prognosis.
  • A systematic diagnostic approach is essential for identifying the underlying cause of TCH.