In which situation is intracranial pressure monitoring indicated?

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is indicated in a patient with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score between 3 and 8 because this level of consciousness indicates a severe alteration in neurological status. Patients in this range are at significant risk for increased intracranial pressure due to conditions such as traumatic brain injury, hemorrhage, or edema. Monitoring ICP allows for the timely identification of elevated pressures, which can be critical in guiding treatment decisions, such as the need for medical or surgical interventions to prevent further neurological damage.

In contrast, a patient with a stable GCS of 15 is considered to have normal neurological function and does not typically require ICP monitoring. Isolated headaches may not involve significant neurological compromise or elevated ICP, making monitoring unnecessary in that situation. Additionally, although a patient under anesthesia may have altered consciousness, it is typically transient and not indicative of the ongoing monitoring needed for ICP assessment, as the focus is more on maintaining anesthesia and ensuring patient safety during the procedure rather than monitoring for elevated ICP.