[Increased intracranial pressure. Methods of measurement, pathophysiology and treatment (author's transl)].

After describing the various methods for measuring the intracranial pressure, the causes of the rise of pressure within the skull and the possibilities for compensation are discussed. The elasticity of the brain tissue, which can be determined by pressure/volume stress, plays a crucial role in compensating for pressure. A reciprocal influence exists between intracranial pressure, cerebral circulation and brain oedema, as well as between intracerebral pressure and peripheral circulation. The treament of raised intracranial pressure is possibly by CSF drainage, hyperventilation and hypothermia, as well as by drugs such as steroids and diuretics.