You should be able to:

  • Describe the normal ICP pressure and waveform
  • Explain which factors affect ICP and the relationship between intracranial pressure and volume
  • Outline methods for monitoring ICP including their advantages and disadvantages
  • Outline features of raised ICP and techniques for management
  • Describe normal cerebral blood flow and oxygen requirements
  • Explain cerebral perfusion pressure and the factors determining it
  • Describe the concept of autoregulation
  • Draw and explain a graph demonstrating cerebral autoregulation
  • Explain the factors that affect cerebral blood flow including oxygen, carbon dioxide, metabolic mediators and commonly used drugs