title: Pharmacologic management of acute intracranial hypertension.
abstract: Acute intracranial hypertension requires aggressive treatment with physiologic and pharmacologic measures guided by intracranial pressure monitoring devices. Therapy involves the use of diuretics, corticosteroids, and barbiturates in combination with hyperventilation, ventricular drainage, and general supportive measures. This review focuses on the pathophysiology of increased intracranial pressure and the pharmacologic agents used in its management.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001463:Barbiturates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D002257:Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004234:Diuretics, Osmotic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007427:Intracranial Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D011559:Pseudotumor Cerebri / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D001463:Barbiturates; D002257:Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors; D004232:Diuretics; D004234:Diuretics, Osmotic; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide