Vasospasm and raised intracranial pressure (ICP) are common complications in subarachnoid haem or rhage (SAH) due to ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Vasospasm can be reliably monitored by repeated transcranial Doppler (TCD) examinations. The changes in flow velocities due to vasospasm are use ful for early diagnosis, monitoring effectiveness of treatment and determining prognosis. Intracranial pressure canm also increase to dangerous levels and affect blood flow in the intracranial circulation. These changes in ICP may be evaluated by the spectral wave form patterns obtained during TCD examination. We describe the dynamic TCD spectral changes in a patient with SAH. The changes observed during serial TCD examinations, were well correlated with the neurological status. Transcranial Doppler is a reliable, non-invasive and reproducible test that can be used to monitor vasospasm and suspected of ICP in SAH. The use of TCD can be extended to other intracranial diseases that can potentially lead to an abnormally high ICP.
Scripta Scientifica Medica 2011;V.43(1):11-12
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