Intracranial Pressure

Causes of Elevated Intracranial Pressure

Disruptions may arise due to:

• excessive production or impaired outflow of CSF

• impaired venous outflow from the brain

• tumors developing inside the cranial cavity

• inflammations (meningitis, encephalitis)

• traumatic brain injuries

• hydrocephalus

• hematomas

• cerebral tissue edema

Increased pressure can be temporary (e.g., during infections) or chronic, requiring continuous monitoring and therapy.

Symptoms of Elevated Intracranial Pressure

Symptoms in newborns and infants

In children under one year, signs include:

• bulging fontanelle

• rapid increase in head circumference

• vomiting without obvious cause

• irritability, poor sleep, crying

• seizures

• developmental delay

Symptoms in older children

Typical signs in children:

• intense headaches, especially in the morning

• episodes of nausea and vomiting

• rapid fatigue

• double vision

• reduced attention span

Symptoms in adults

Adults may experience:

• bursting headache, worse when bending over

• dizziness

• blurred vision or "floaters"

• nausea, often with vomiting

• memory and concentration decline

• excessive sleepiness or insomnia

Diagnosis of Elevated Intracranial Pressure

Diagnostic methods

Accurate diagnostics may include:

• ophthalmoscopy (checking the optic nerve)

• MRI or CT scan of the brain

• neurosonography in infants

• lumbar puncture with CSF pressure measurement

Role of specialists in diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by a neurologist in cooperation with an ophthalmologist and, if needed, a neurosurgeon. In complex cases, other specialists may be involved depending on the suspected cause of increased ICP.

Treatment of Elevated Intracranial Pressure

Therapy depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. A comprehensive approach is commonly used:

Medication-based treatment

• diuretics (e.g., acetazolamide)

• vascular medications

• anti-edema drugs

• pain relievers and sedatives

Surgical intervention

If medications are ineffective, procedures may include:

• shunt placement

• CSF drainage

• tumor removal

The method is selected individually, based on the diagnosis.

Supportive measures

• limiting salt and fluid intake

• monitoring blood pressure

• maintaining daily routine and healthy sleep

• light physical activity

• treating the underlying condition

• regular doctor visits

Rehabilitation after surgery

Postoperative care should include:

• taking prescribed medications

• undergoing physiotherapy

• follow-ups with a neurologist

• monitoring pressure indicators

The goal of this stage is recovery and relapse prevention.

Complications of Elevated Intracranial Pressure

Without timely intervention, complications may include:

• vision loss

• seizure syndrome

• irreversible brain tissue damage

• severe respiratory disorders and death

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent such outcomes.

Treatment of Elevated Intracranial Pressure in Russia

Clinics

Leading medical centers in Russia provide ICP treatment:

• MEDSI — a network of clinics offering modern diagnostics and treatment of neurological disorders. MEDSI physicians apply both medical and surgical methods, tailoring therapy to each patient.
• EMC — a private, internationally recognized clinic specializing in complex neurological cases, including intracranial hypertension. European protocols and a multidisciplinary approach are applied.
• Scandinavia — a medical center in Saint Petersburg with a strong neurology department. Provides diagnostics, medication and surgical treatment, as well as rehabilitation for ICP.

Cost

Costs depend on the scope of diagnostics and chosen treatment plan:

• Doctor consultation — from $30

• Brain MRI — from $75

• Medication course — from $120

• Surgical procedures — calculated individually

MARUS Assistance

The MARUS platform will help organize ICP treatment in Russia: from clinic selection to full-stage support. If you or your loved ones need assistance, our specialists provide guidance, consultations, and coordination throughout the treatment journey.