What vital sign may indicate increased intracranial pressure after a traumatic brain injury?

High blood pressure can be an indicator of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) following a traumatic brain injury due to the body's compensatory mechanisms in response to elevated pressure within the skull. When ICP rises, the brain attempts to maintain adequate cerebral perfusion by increasing systemic blood pressure. This process is known as the Cushing's reflex, which triggers hypertension as a response to preserve blood flow to the brain.

While other vital signs may be affected as well, such as heart rate potentially decreasing, respiratory rate dropping, or variations in temperature, the elevation of blood pressure is specifically linked to the body's reaction to increased ICP, making it a critical sign to monitor in the context of brain injury. Thus, recognizing high blood pressure can help in rapid assessment and management of patients with signs of increased intracranial pressure.