What is the role of corticosteroids in managing ICP?

Corticosteroids play a critical role in managing elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) primarily through their anti-inflammatory properties. When ICP is elevated, it often results from conditions such as traumatic brain injury, tumors, or cerebral edema, which can lead to secondary injury to brain tissue.

By reducing inflammation, corticosteroids help to minimize swelling and decrease the volume of edema in brain tissue, thus alleviating pressure within the cranium. This reduction in swelling can prevent complications that might arise from prolonged elevated ICP, such as brain herniation or death of brain cells due to lack of blood flow and oxygen.

While corticosteroids do not provide a permanent solution for ICP issues or directly enhance venous drainage from the brain, their primary use in acute scenarios is to address the immediate risk of secondary brain injury caused by inflammation. Therefore, their role in the context of ICP management is fundamentally tied to their ability to reduce inflammation and its detrimental effects on brain function.