What is the first line of treatment for increased intracranial pressure?

The first line of treatment for increased intracranial pressure involves elevating the head of the patient's bed to improve venous drainage. This position facilitates better circulation of blood and cerebrospinal fluid, which can help reduce pressure within the cranial cavity. By elevating the head, gravity assists in decreasing the volume of blood returning to the brain, thus lowering intracranial pressure.

This non-invasive approach is typically recommended before considering more aggressive interventions, such as medication or surgery. Elevating the head of the bed is a simple yet effective first step in managing elevated intracranial pressure, making it a fundamental practice in emergency and critical care settings.

While administering pain medication might address discomfort, it does not directly alleviate intracranial pressure. Surgical intervention is reserved for severe cases where immediate decompression is necessary and is not considered first-line treatment. Restricting fluid intake may be part of managing the patient's overall condition but is not the primary means for addressing increased intracranial pressure immediately.