What is the recommended action if intracranial pressure exceeds 20 mmHg?

When intracranial pressure (ICP) exceeds 20 mmHg, it indicates a significant and potentially dangerous condition that requires immediate intervention. Treatment to reduce ICP is essential to prevent neurological damage or further complications. High ICP can result from various conditions such as traumatic brain injury, hemorrhagic strokes, or brain tumors, and it poses risks like brain herniation or impaired blood flow to the brain.

In this case, initiating treatment to reduce ICP can involve several strategies, including administering medications (such as osmotic agents like mannitol or hypertonic saline), elevating the head of the bed, ensuring adequate ventilation to improve oxygenation, or in severe cases, surgical interventions like decompression. The goal of these actions is to reduce pressure, maintain cerebral perfusion, and protect brain function.

While physical therapy and nutritional support can be important components of comprehensive care in patients with neurological issues, they are not immediate responses to elevated ICP. Likewise, observing without intervention can be dangerous, as it may lead to worsening of the condition, making it critical to act decisively to manage elevated ICP levels.