Noninvasive intracranial pressure monitoring methods: a critical review
Authors:
Moraes, F. M. and Silva, G. S.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring has been used for decades in management of various neurological conditions. The gold standard for measuring ICP is a ventricular catheter connected to an external strain gauge, which is an invasive system associated with a number of complications. Despite its limitations, no noninvasive ICP monitoring (niICP) method fulfilling the technical requirements for replacing invasive techniques has yet been developed, not even in cases requiring only ICP monitoring without cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage.
OBJECTIVES: Here, we review the current methods for niICP monitoring.
METHODS: The different methods and approaches were grouped according to the mechanism used for detecting elevated ICP or its associated consequences.
CONCLUSION: In terms of accuracy, reliability and therapeutic options, intraventricular catheter systems still remain the gold standard method. However, with advances in technology, noninvasive monitoring methods have become more relevant. Further evidence is needed before noninvasive methods for ICP monitoring or estimation become a more widespread alternative to invasive techniques.
Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities and related symptoms Diseases of and symptoms related to the nervous system External causes of morbidity and mortality Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
