Beyond Tradition: Exploring Contemporary Non-Invasive Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Monitoring Methods

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this paper is to review the non-invasive methods for ICP monitoring and the research conducted in the field.

Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on NIH and PubMed, and papers highlighting the newer methods used in Intracranial Pressure monitoring were reviewed and the related data was included in the paper.

Results:  The prominent methods of non-invasive ICP monitoring reviewed were: Imaging (CT and MRI), Electroencephalogram (EEG), Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter (ONSD), and Transcranial Doppler (TCD) Ultrasound.

Conclusion: While invasive methods for ICP monitoring are preferred over non-invasive methods in a clinical setting, with the intraventricular catheter being the gold standard for ICP monitoring, many non-invasive methods for ICP monitoring are considered, especially in settings where invasive ICP monitoring is not possible. The use of non-invasive methods represents an advancement in the field of ICP monitoring. Although not very well known in a clinical setting, non-invasive methods offer more safety and carry a lesser risk of infection.