If your child has a severe brain injury, head surgery, brain infection, or other problems, the brain may swell. Since the brain is covered by the skull, there is only a small amount of room for it to swell. This means that, as the brain swells, the pressure inside the skull goes up. If the pressure gets significantly higher than normal, it can cause damage to the brain. Children who have hydrocephalus or brain tumors may also have their intracranial pressure monitored.
Intracranial pressure is measured in two ways.
Both devices are inserted by the physician either in the intensive care unit or in the operating room. The ICP device is then attached to a monitor that gives a constant reading of the pressure inside the skull. If the pressure goes up, it can be treated right away. While the ICP device is in place, your child will be given medication to stay comfortable. When the swelling has gone down and there is little chance of more swelling, the device will be removed.