Cushing reflex

Cushing reflex (also referred to as the vasopressor response, the Cushing effect, the Cushing reaction, the Cushing phenomenon, the Cushing response, or Cushing's Law) is a physiological nervous system response to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) that results in Cushing's triad of increased blood pressure, irregular breathing, and bradycardia.[1] It is usually seen in the terminal stages of acute head injury and may indicate imminent brain herniation. It can also be seen after the intravenous administration of epinephrine and similar drugs.[2] It was first described in detail by American neurosurgeon Harvey Cushing in 1901.[3]

  1. ^ Ayling, J (2002). "Managing head injuries". Emergency Medical Services. 31 (8): 42. PMID 12224233.
  2. ^ Ogilvy, CS; Dubois AB (1987). "Effect of increased intracranial pressure on blood pressure, heart rate, respiration and catecholamine levels in neonatal and adult rabbits". Biology of the Neonate. 52 (6): 327–336. doi:10.1159/000242728. PMID 3435736.
  3. ^ Cushing, H (1901). "Concerning a definite regulatory mechanism of the vasomotor centre which controls blood pressure during cerebral compression". Bull Johns Hopkins Hosp. 12: 290–2.