Frequency domain model-based intracranial pressure estimation

Abstract

Elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP), the pressure of the fluid surrounding the brain, can require urgent medical attention. Current methods for determining ICP are invasive, require neurosurgical expertise, and can lead to infection. ICP measurement is therefore limited to the sickest patients, though many others could potentially benefit from availability of this vital sign. We present a frequency-domain approach to ICP estimation using a simple lumped, linear time-invariant model of cerebrovascular dynamics. Preliminary results from 28 records of patients with severe traumatic brain injury are presented and discussed. Suggestions for future work to improve the estimation algorithm are proposed.