What is a normal intracranial pressure (ICP)?

The correct answer indicates that a normal intracranial pressure (ICP) is considered to be ≤ 10 cm H2O. This measurement is significant because it helps in assessing the pressure within the cranial cavity, which can be elevated due to various conditions such as head injury, brain tumor, or other pathologies affecting cerebral dynamics.

Normal ICP is critical for maintaining cerebral perfusion and overall brain health. The typical range for normal ICP is generally accepted to be 7 to 15 mmHg, which translates to approximately 10 to 15 cm H2O when converting between the two units. An ICP reading above these values can indicate potential issues that require medical intervention.

Understanding normal ICP levels is vital for healthcare providers as it informs treatment decisions and helps in monitoring conditions that may lead to increased intracranial pressure.