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Intracranial pressure is the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid within the central nervous system. It is measured in millimeters of water (mm H20). Normal pressure is between 60 mm H20 and 150 mm H20. Intracranial pressure can be measured by means of a lumbar puncture.
There are many symptoms associated with changes in intracranial pressure, including headaches, transient visual obscurations, nausea and/or vomiting, and decreased consciousness. However, these symptoms may be vague or absent. The most common sign of increased intracranial pressure is papilledema.
While increased intracranial pressure is a far more common (and far more serious) sign, it is possible for the intracranial pressure to drop below normal levels as well. The symptoms for both conditions are often the same, leading many medical experts to believe that it is the change in pressure rather than the pressure itself causing the above symptoms.
Causes of increased intracranial pressure include:
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