Skip to Content
UW Health SMPH

Intracranial Pressure Monitoring (ICP) - Outpatient HF#5462

 

 

 

 

What is ICP (intracranial pressure) monitoring?

 

ICP is used to measure pressure in the head and determine treatment.  Pressure is affected by the amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in the brain.  The CSF cushions the brain and spinal cord.  If there is too much CSF, the pressure (ICP) increases.  High ICP can be a result of brain swelling after surgery or after a brain injury.

 

Symptoms of increased pressure include:

  • Headache
  • Feeling sleepy
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Irritability
  • “Sunset eyes” (eyes which only look down)

 

How is the ICP monitor placed?

 

If needed, the patient will be put to sleep, or sedated while the monitor is placed.  In some cases, we will use medicine to relax the patient while the monitor is placed.  The skin is numbed.  A small incision is made in the front of the scalp.   Then, a small hole is drilled into the skull.  The ICP sensing device is placed a short distance next to the brain.  A bandage keeps the device in place.  The pressure is watched and recorded for 24 – 48 hours.  You will stay in the ICU during this time.

 

Before the monitor is placed

 

  • The night before and the morning of the ICP placement, you will need to wash the hair. Do not use any product on the hair after washing.
  • If you need to be asleep for the procedure, do not eat anything or drink any milk or juice with pulp in it for 6 hours before the ICP monitor placement.
  • It is alright to drink clear liquids 4 hours prior to sedation.
  • You should arrive at the hospital admissions 2 hours ahead of time.  Adults check in at admissions in the main hospital.  Children check in at the Guest Depot in the children’s hospital.  Then you will go to the ICU.
  • The ICU staff will complete a health history.  Do an exam.  Place an IV and obtain blood work.
  • You will need to sign a consent form for the ICP monitoring to occur.
  • You will receive antibiotics while the ICP monitor is in place.

 

After the monitor is placed

 

  • Once you are awake from the sedation, you can eat and move around your room.
  • If you have pain, acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Motrin®) will be given.
  • When the device is removed, one or two staples or stitches are used to close the incision.
  • The staples or stitches will be removed in 7-10 days in the clinic.
  • Keep the incision clean and dry for 3 days.
  • After three days, you may bathe and wash your hair.  Do not scrub over the incision.

 

 

 

Call your neurosurgeon or nurse with any questions.

  • Catie, RN  (608)262-2761
  • Lisa,   RN  (608)890-6942

 

After hours, weekends, and holidays, call the paging operator at (608)262-0486.  Ask for the neurosurgeon on call.  Give your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 09/17/2012

Copyright © 02/22/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5462

Print Health Fact For You