Which sign is listed as an indication of increased intracranial pressure in a patient with brain injury from a motor vehicle crash?

Which sign is listed as an indication of increased intracranial pressure in a patient with brain injury from a motor vehicle crash?

• A. Projectile vomiting
• B. Frequent urination
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Elevated mood

Answer: (A)

Rising intracranial pressure after brain injury often manifests with signs tied to brainstem function, including nausea and vomiting. Projectile vomiting is a classic indicator because when ICP increases, it can stimulate the medullary vomiting center, leading to forceful vomiting that is sometimes projectile in nature. This reflex response is a key warning sign that the brain is under stress from swelling or bleeding and that pressure is mounting, which is why it’s emphasized in neurotrauma assessment. Brace for the possibility that a full picture of ICP elevation also includes other signs like changes in consciousness or vital signs (for example, a Cushing response with hypertension and bradycardia) and pupil or respiratory changes, but projectile vomiting stands out as a direct, commonly recognized sign of increased ICP in this context. Frequent urination isn’t linked to ICP changes, and elevated mood isn’t typical of rising intracranial pressure.

Rising intracranial pressure after brain injury often manifests with signs tied to brainstem function, including nausea and vomiting. Projectile vomiting is a classic indicator because when ICP increases, it can stimulate the medullary vomiting center, leading to forceful vomiting that is sometimes projectile in nature. This reflex response is a key warning sign that the brain is under stress from swelling or bleeding and that pressure is mounting, which is why it’s emphasized in neurotrauma assessment.

Brace for the possibility that a full picture of ICP elevation also includes other signs like changes in consciousness or vital signs (for example, a Cushing response with hypertension and bradycardia) and pupil or respiratory changes, but projectile vomiting stands out as a direct, commonly recognized sign of increased ICP in this context.

Frequent urination isn’t linked to ICP changes, and elevated mood isn’t typical of rising intracranial pressure.