Which is an early sign of increased intracranial pressure?

Which is an early sign of increased intracranial pressure?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Altered LOC
• C. Increased appetite
• D. Normal pupil response

Answer: (B)

Rising intracranial pressure most quickly affects brain function, so early signs show up as changes in consciousness. The brain’s reticular activating system becomes compromised, leading to confusion, restlessness, or drowsiness—an altered level of consciousness. That makes altered LOC the best indicator of early ICP. Hypertension with bradycardia and irregular respirations (the Cushing response) tends to appear later, not early, so hypotension isn’t a typical early sign. Increased appetite isn’t related to ICP changes, and a normal pupil response doesn’t capture the early brain function changes that LOC alteration does.

Rising intracranial pressure most quickly affects brain function, so early signs show up as changes in consciousness. The brain’s reticular activating system becomes compromised, leading to confusion, restlessness, or drowsiness—an altered level of consciousness. That makes altered LOC the best indicator of early ICP.

Hypertension with bradycardia and irregular respirations (the Cushing response) tends to appear later, not early, so hypotension isn’t a typical early sign. Increased appetite isn’t related to ICP changes, and a normal pupil response doesn’t capture the early brain function changes that LOC alteration does.