What is a normal ICP waveform?

  • The normal ICP trace looks similar to an arterial trace but has 3 distinct peaks:
Normal intracranial pressure (ICP) waveform
P1
Percussion Wave
The arterial systolic pressure transmitted from the choroid plexus
P2
Tidal wave
Thought to represent true ICP proper as a correlate of the arterial pulses reflected off the brain parenchyma
P3
Dicrotic notch
The arterial dicrotic notch transmitted from the choroid plexus