How should increased intracranial pressure (ICP) be initially treated?

The initial treatment for increased intracranial pressure (ICP) focuses on ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Keeping the airway open and adequately ventilating the patient helps to prevent hypoxia, which can exacerbate brain injury and worsen ICP. When ICP is elevated, the brain requires optimal perfusion and oxygen delivery; thus, maintaining a patent airway and ventilating the patient are prioritized actions to protect neurological function and stabilize the patient.

In managing ICP, airway management becomes critical because compromised ventilation can lead to carbon dioxide retention, resulting in respiratory acidosis. This condition can cause cerebral vasodilation, increasing ICP further. Therefore, prompt intervention to secure the airway and provide effective ventilation is essential.

While positioning and fluid management are also important in the overall treatment of conditions causing increased ICP, these interventions are usually secondary to ensuring the airway is open and ventilation is adequate.