Which early signs indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in a head injury patient?

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a critical condition often resulting from head injuries that can lead to severe consequences if not promptly managed. Early signs of increased ICP are vital for timely intervention.

A decreased level of consciousness is indicative of brain dysfunction, as elevated pressure can impede normal brain activity and lead to confusion, lethargy, or unresponsiveness. Headaches are also common in patients experiencing increased ICP, often due to the stretching of pain-sensitive structures in the brain or irritation of the meninges. These two symptoms are classic early indicators that warrant further assessment and intervention to prevent more severe neurological deterioration.

The other options present symptoms that may not be as directly associated with the initial presentation of increased ICP as decreased consciousness and headache. For example, vomiting and fever might suggest a secondary complication such as infection or irritation of the meninges but are not specific early signs of elevated ICP. Similarly, pupillary dilation and tachycardia can occur later in the progression of increased ICP or might be related to other factors like medicinal side effects or trauma. Blurred vision and hypertension can also arise from increased ICP but are not typically recognized as immediate initial signs.

Recognizing a decreased level of consciousness and headache as initial symptoms allows healthcare providers to