Fifteen-minute consultation: Management of raised intracranial pressure in children

Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in children can be very challenging to recognise and manage. In order to minimise secondary brain injury, measures to reduce intracranial pressure must be initiated as soon as possible. Initial management is often commenced in District General Hospitals prior to transfer for definitive treatment. This article is aimed at general paediatricians and provides a framework for the initial stabilisation and management of a child with raised ICP, with discussion of the underlying physiological principles.