Which finding most specifically indicates increased intracranial pressure?

Which finding most specifically indicates increased intracranial pressure?

• A. Fever
• B. Disoriented to name only
• C. Dilated ipsilateral pupil
• D. Bradycardia

Answer: (C)

Raised intracranial pressure can cause herniation and compression of brain structures, especially the oculomotor nerve. A unilateral, fixed, dilated pupil on the side of the pressure is a classic sign of this process because the oculomotor nerve’s parasympathetic fibers are blocked, preventing pupil constriction. This makes pupil dilation a specific indicator of ICP progression toward herniation. Fever points to infection, disorientation can occur with many CNS issues, and bradycardia is part of the late Cushing response but not as specific or early as a dilated pupil. So the dilated iris on one side best signals increasing ICP.

Raised intracranial pressure can cause herniation and compression of brain structures, especially the oculomotor nerve. A unilateral, fixed, dilated pupil on the side of the pressure is a classic sign of this process because the oculomotor nerve’s parasympathetic fibers are blocked, preventing pupil constriction. This makes pupil dilation a specific indicator of ICP progression toward herniation. Fever points to infection, disorientation can occur with many CNS issues, and bradycardia is part of the late Cushing response but not as specific or early as a dilated pupil. So the dilated iris on one side best signals increasing ICP.