Non-invasive Sensor and Method for the Continuous Detection of Abnormal Intracranial Pressure and Brain Compliance

Authors

Jotham Manwaring, Brigham Young University
Coray McClellan, Brigham Young University
Dr. Erin Bigler, Brigham Young University

Keywords

non-invasive sensor, abnormal intracranial pressure, brain compliance

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Psychology

Abstract

Children diagnosed with hydrocephalus, or patients suffering from head trauma require treatment by a neurosurgeon and a neurologist. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which the patient has retained too much cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) by either over production, or inability to shunt off old fluid. Since the cranium, effectively a closed boxed around the brain, is rigid, an increase in CSF causes an increase in the amount of pressure the brain experiences. Patients suffering from trauma also experience increased intracranial pressure (ICP) but by a different mechanism; trauma causes the brain itself to swell and push against the cranium. One method for diagnosing intracranial pressure and subsequently the risk to the patient is to conduct a spinal tap. A spinal tap is performed by inserting a large needle into the caudus equinus portion of the nerve roots located in the lower spinal area. These nerve roots float in CSF shunted down from the brain.

Recommended Citation

Manwaring, Jotham; McClellan, Coray; and Bigler, Dr. Erin (2013) "Non-invasive Sensor and Method for the Continuous Detection of Abnormal Intracranial Pressure and Brain Compliance," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 469.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/469