Cervical collar-induced changes in intracranial pressure

James C Kolb; Richard L Summers; Robert L Galli

doi:10.1016/S0735-6757(99)90044-X

Original contribution| Volume 17, ISSUE 2, P135-137, March 01, 1999

Cervical collar-induced changes in intracranial pressure

James C Kolb, MD
James C Kolb
Correspondence
Address reprint requests to Dr Kolb, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State St, Jackson, MI 39216.
Affiliations
From the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS. USA
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Richard L Summers, MD
Richard L Summers
Affiliations
From the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS. USA
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Robert L Galli, MD
Robert L Galli
Affiliations
From the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS. USA
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DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0735-6757(99)90044-X

Abstract

Placement of a protective cervical collar is common in cases of acute head trauma. However, the effect of this collar on intracranial pressure is uncertain. This prospective study examined the change in measured cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) after the application of a rigid Philadelphia collar in 20 adult patients undergoing lumbar puncture. CSFP averaged 176.8 mm H ₂O initially and increased to an average of 201.5 mm H ₂O after collar placement (range 0 to 120). Although this difference of 24.8 mm H ₂O is statistically significant ( P = .001), it is uncertain if this would be clinically important. Nonetheless, this small increment in pressure could be significant in patients who already have an elevated intracranial pressure.

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Article Info

Publication History

Accepted: January 15, 1998

Received in revised form: June 19, 1997

Received in revised form: December 7, 1997

Received: May 23, 1997

Identification

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0735-6757(99)90044-X

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