What are signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) can lead to significant physiological changes in the body. One of the hallmark signs is the presence of hypertension, which reflects the body's attempt to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure despite the increased pressure within the skull. Along with hypertension, bradycardia is frequently observed as part of Cushing's triad, a clinical syndrome that includes hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations. This triad indicates a critical state of increased ICP, signaling that the brain is under stress and that immediate medical attention is required.

The conjunction of these signs—hypertension and bradycardia—serves as an important clue to the underlying threat of increased ICP. It reflects an autonomic response, where the body's normal compensatory mechanisms are overwhelmed by the pressure changes, signaling that additional measures may need to be taken to stabilize the patient's condition.