Reduction of experimental intracranial hypertension by lidocaine

Previous animal studies in our laboratory revealed that acute cerebral ischemia induced by air embolism is accompanied by a sharp and pronounced rise in both systemic blood pressure and intracranial pressure. To investigate possible approaches to the treatment of severe intracranial hypertension, we produced cerebral air embolism in anesthetized, ventilated cats by the infusion of air into the vertebral artery. Untreated animals consistently experienced severe acute intracranial hypertension. Pretreating the animals with lidocaine greatly attenuated the intracranial hypertension caused by air embolism. Lidocaine given after the injury was also effective in reducing intracranial pressure. Our results suggest that lidocaine may be a useful agent for reducing intracranial hypertension associated with ischemic or traumatic injuries to the brain.