What is a common clinical sign of increased ICP?

A common clinical sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a headache. This symptom arises because of the pressure exerted on the brain and its surrounding structures. As ICP rises, it can lead to stretching of the meninges, irritation of pain-sensitive structures, and other neurological effects that manifest as a headache. Patients often describe this headache as severe and persistent, and it may be worsened by actions that increase intracranial pressure, such as bending over or coughing.

When considering other possible symptoms, while high blood pressure can sometimes accompany increased ICP due to a physiological response, it is not specific enough to be a primary indicator. Swelling in the extremities is not a direct consequence of increased ICP; rather, it typically relates to other conditions affecting fluid balance or vascular health. Decreased appetite could be a secondary effect related to the overall ill health of a patient experiencing increased ICP, but it does not directly indicate elevated pressure within the skull. Thus, a headache stands out as a hallmark symptom indicative of increased ICP, providing vital information for diagnosis and management in clinical settings.