Normally, the ICP ranges from 1 to 15 mm Hg.

Note: mm Hg = millimeters of mercury

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

Intracranial pressure monitoring is usually done in cases of severe head injury. It also may be done after surgery to remove a tumor or repair damage to a blood vessel (vascular lesion) if the surgical team is concerned about brain swelling.

Elevated intracranial pressure can be treated by draining CSF through the catheter. It also may be treated by changing ventilator settings (for people who are in critical condition and on a respirator) or by giving certain medications through a vein (intravenous).

Intracranial pressure monitoring is crucial to identify the problem and treat it right away. Raised intracranial pressure means that both nervous system (neural) and blood vessel (vascular) tissues are being compressed. If left untreated, it can result in permanent neurologic damage. In some cases, it can be fatal.