Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Cushing's triad
Introduction
Cushing’s triad is the triad of hypertension, bradycardia and irregular respirations.[1] It is sign of increased intracranial pressure. Other sources state that the triad is hypertention, bradycardia and widening pulse pressure (an increase in the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure over time).
Significance
Significance
Identification of the triad is important in emergency medicine because it suggests a cerebral hemorrhage in the setting of trauma or an enlarging space occupying lesion (e.g. brain tumor) and a possible impending herniation of the brain, which can be rapidly fatal.
References
References
- ↑ Ayling, J (2002). “Managing head injuries”. Emergency Medical Services. 31 (8): 42. PMID 12224233.