Which statement about increased intracranial pressure is true?

• A. It can damage brain tissue
• B. It can reduce blood flow
• C. It can be life-threatening if untreated
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Rising intracranial pressure is dangerous because the skull encloses a fixed space; as pressure climbs, neural tissue is squeezed, vessels are compressed, and blood flow to the brain drops. It can damage brain tissue through direct compression and secondary ischemia. It also reduces blood flow because cerebral perfusion depends on the gradient between mean arterial pressure and ICP; when ICP increases, cerebral perfusion pressure falls, limiting oxygen delivery to brain tissue. If ICP stays high, the brain can herniate, compressing the brainstem and disrupting essential life-sustaining functions, making the condition life-threatening if not treated promptly. All of these consequences can occur with increased ICP, so that statement is true.