In contrast to a patient in shock, what would you expect in a patient with increased intracranial pressure?

In a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP), one key physiological change often observed is the widening of the pulse pressure. This occurs as the body attempts to maintain cerebral perfusion in the face of rising intracranial pressure. When ICP increases, it can lead to a compensatory mechanism to preserve blood flow to the brain, often resulting in hypertension (increased systolic pressure) paired with a relatively lower diastolic pressure. Therefore, this widening of the pulse pressure reflects the ongoing struggle of the cardiovascular system to ensure adequate blood supply to critical areas, particularly the brain.

Furthermore, this phenomenon is linked with the concept of the Cushing reflex, where increased ICP can initiate a systemic response that raises blood pressure significantly to counteract the effects of the pressure within the cranial cavity, hence leading to the widened pulse pressure. Such signs are critical for paramedics to recognize as they can indicate serious neurological conditions that require immediate intervention.