Assessment and Management of Pediatric Trauma
Module 4: Pediatric Head Injuries
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CPP - Physiology

  • Blood flow to the brain (cerebral blood flow) is governed by the difference between the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and intracranial pressure (ICP)
  • This difference is the cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP)
    CPP = MAP - ICP
    (Normal ICP is 5-10 mm of Hg and MAP varies depending on child's age)
  • Under conditions of head injury and raised ICP, blood flow to the brain can be maintained by "normalizing" the CPP. This can be achieved by elevating the MAP or decreasing the ICP or both. The optimal CPP in children is unknown and may depend on age. CPP < 40 mmHg is associated with poor outcome.
Module 4: Pediatric Head Injuries