When is ICP monitoring necessary for TBI?

INDICATIONS FOR INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE (ICP) MONITORING The Guidelines for the Management of Severe TBI recommend an ICP monitor in TBI patients at risk for intracranial hypertension, i.e., patients in coma (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] <8) and an abnormal admission head CT scan.

When should ICP monitoring be done?

This test is most often done to measure ICP. It may be done when there is a severe head injury or brain/nervous system disease. It also may be done after surgery to remove a tumor or fix damage to a blood vessel if the surgeon is worried about brain swelling.

How is ICP monitoring done?

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is a diagnostic test that helps your doctors determine if high or low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure is causing your symptoms. The test measures the pressure in your head directly using a small pressure-sensitive probe that is inserted through the skull.

How do I monitor for increased ICP?

Intracranial Pressure Monitoring (ICP)

1. X-ray.
2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
3. Computed tomography scan (CT scan)
4. Blood test.
5. Urinalysis.
6. Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
7. Sputum cytology.
8. Electroencephalography (EEG)

What is a Ventriculostomy catheter?

An external ventricular drain (EVD) is a temporary catheter that diverts CSF from the ventricles to a bedside collection system. Typically, a burr hole is created through a small incision behind the hairline, and the catheter is passed through the brain and into the frontal horn of the lateral ventricle.

What are the principal risk factors associated with Ventriculostomy procedure?

The most significant risk of a ventriculostomy is infection; rates of 27% have been cited,10,18,20,21 although most reported rates are in the 1% to 10% range. Infection rates are similar regardless of procedure location (ICU or the operating room).

How do I monitor ICP with EVD?

ICP can be monitored via a fibre optic monitor (Codman™ microsensor) which is placed on the surface of the brain or in the brain or an external ventricular drain (EVD) system which is a closed sterile system allowing drainage of CSF via a silastic catheter tip which rests in the ventricle.

Is a ventriculostomy the same as an EVD?

An external ventricular drain (EVD), also known as a ventriculostomy or extraventricular drain, is a device used in neurosurgery to treat hydrocephalus and relieve elevated intracranial pressure when the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside the brain is obstructed.

Why is a ventriculostomy done?

A ventriculostomy allows diversion of CSF normally contained within the ventricular system, thereby decompressing the spaces and facilitating normalization of ICP. In this procedure, a pliable silastic catheter is passed with a rigid internal stylet through the brain parenchyma to the ventricle.

What is a Ventriculostomy procedure?

Ventriculostomy or ventricular drain is a quick surgical procedure performed in the head to attach a device to drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) buildup in the brain. This device may be placed externally, and it can be either temporary or permanent.