Which term represents elevated pressure in the skull that reduces brain perfusion?

Which term represents elevated pressure in the skull that reduces brain perfusion?

• A. Basilar Skull Fracture
• B. Increased ICP
• C. Cushing Triad
• D. Raccoon Eyes

Answer: (B)

Elevated intracranial pressure is the pressure build-up inside the skull that directly reduces the brain’s blood supply. The brain relies on a pressure gradient to receive blood, and the cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is the difference between mean arterial pressure and intracranial pressure (CPP = MAP − ICP). When ICP rises, that gradient narrows, CPP falls, and brain tissue can become ischemic. Normal ICP is about 0–15 mmHg; values above 20 mmHg are concerning and require intervention. Injuries or conditions that can raise ICP include brain swelling, hematomas, and excess CSF. The other terms describe different concepts: a basilar skull fracture is a fracture at the base of the skull; raccoon eyes are periorbital bruising associated with facial or skull injuries; Cushing triad (high blood pressure, slow heart rate, irregular breathing) is a sign that ICP is severely elevated, not the label for the pressure itself.

Elevated intracranial pressure is the pressure build-up inside the skull that directly reduces the brain’s blood supply. The brain relies on a pressure gradient to receive blood, and the cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is the difference between mean arterial pressure and intracranial pressure (CPP = MAP − ICP). When ICP rises, that gradient narrows, CPP falls, and brain tissue can become ischemic.

Normal ICP is about 0–15 mmHg; values above 20 mmHg are concerning and require intervention. Injuries or conditions that can raise ICP include brain swelling, hematomas, and excess CSF.

The other terms describe different concepts: a basilar skull fracture is a fracture at the base of the skull; raccoon eyes are periorbital bruising associated with facial or skull injuries; Cushing triad (high blood pressure, slow heart rate, irregular breathing) is a sign that ICP is severely elevated, not the label for the pressure itself.