Pathophysiology and management of raised intracranial pressure.

The mechanism of cerebral homeostasis is reviewed, paying particular attention to the way blood-brain barrier, cerebrospinal fluid and cerebral blood flow contribute to the maintenance of normal intracranial pressure. The pathophysiology of raised intracranial pressure is outlined delineating the different types of cerebral oedema. Guidelines for the management of patients with raised intracranial pressure are presented as well as the techniques of intracranial pressure monitoring.