Physiological and pathological effects of neurologic disturbances and increased intracranial pressure on the lung. A review.

The literature concerning the cardiovascular and pulmonary effects of increased intracranial pressure has been reviewed. There have been many conflicting reports leading to diametrically opposed views. Those reports dealing with the physiologic and pathologic changes in the lung are confusing and inconclusive. Differences in the results of the investigations are related to the differences in the experimental methods and species' differences. The conclusions that were drawn concerning the mechanisms of the pulmonary changes associated with increased intracranial pressure are speculative. The problem requires reexamination.