What clinical sign may indicate loss of cerebral auto regulation aside from Cushing's response?

Altered mental status is a significant indicator of loss of cerebral autoregulation. This condition refers to the brain's inability to maintain a stable blood flow despite changes in systemic blood pressure. When cerebral autoregulation is compromised, it can lead to insufficient perfusion or excessive blood flow to the brain, resulting in neurological deficits and changes in mental status.

The brain relies on autoregulation to protect itself from fluctuations in blood pressure, and any disruption can result in altered consciousness, confusion, agitation, or decreased alertness. This manifestation is often one of the earliest signs observed in patients with intracranial pathology, such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, or other forms of cerebral edema. Thus, altered mental status serves as a critical sign of impaired cerebral function, potentially reflecting underlying changes in cerebral blood flow and autoregulation mechanisms.

Other potential signs, while relevant in different contexts, do not specifically indicate loss of cerebral autoregulation as clearly as altered mental status does.