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Raised intracranial pressure

Raised intracranial pressure means the pressure inside the skull is too high. Causes can include bleeding, swelling, infection, a build-up of fluid or idiopathic intracranial hypertension. A headache with visual symptoms, double vision, vomiting or papilloedema needs prompt assessment. Sudden loss of neurological function or reduced consciousness is an acute emergency.

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  • The skull is an enclosed space. Pressure can rise if brain tissue swells, blood builds up or cerebrospinal fluid cannot drain properly.
  • High pressure around the brain can cause symptoms such as headache, vomiting, blurred vision, double vision, vision briefly going black and drowsiness.
  • Papilloedema, swelling of the optic nerve caused by raised pressure, is an important sign because vision can be permanently damaged if pressure stays high for too long.
  • Sudden loss of neurological function, seizures, reduced consciousness or rapid deterioration make this an acute emergency.

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Further reading

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B
Brain metastasesBrain metastases are cancer cells from another organ growing in the brain. Symptoms result from the location of the metastasis, swelling, pressure or bleeding and may include headache, a seizure, weakness or behavioural change. New neurological symptoms with cancer require prompt assessment; sudden loss of function or failure to recover after a seizure is an immediate emergency.
V
Visual impairment and blindnessLow vision means sight remains limited even with ordinary glasses or treatment; blindness has different degrees. Causes and options vary greatly. Sudden loss of sight, a dark curtain, a painful red eye or loss of neurological function needs immediate assessment.
G
GlaucomaGlaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. The most common form develops slowly and causes no symptoms for a long time; lost areas of vision do not return. Early detection and treatment can often slow further damage. Sudden severe eye pain with a red eye, blurred vision, coloured rings around lights, headache or nausea may be acute angle-closure glaucoma and needs immediate specialist eye assessment.