Which symptom would indicate increased intracranial pressure in an older patient after head trauma?

Which symptom would indicate increased intracranial pressure in an older patient after head trauma?

• A. Purposeful movement
• B. Sudden emotional outbursts
• C. Blurred vision
• D. Normal exam findings

Answer: (C)

Rising intracranial pressure directly affects neural structures, including the visual pathways, so changes in vision are an important warning sign after head trauma. Blurred vision can result from pressure on the optic nerves or pathways (and related optic nerve edema), signaling that ICP is elevated. This makes blurred vision the best indicator among the options, as purposeful movement suggests intact motor function, sudden emotional outbursts aren’t typical ICP signs, and a normal exam would not reflect an ongoing intracranial process. If blurred vision appears after head injury, it warrants urgent medical assessment for possible increased ICP.

Rising intracranial pressure directly affects neural structures, including the visual pathways, so changes in vision are an important warning sign after head trauma. Blurred vision can result from pressure on the optic nerves or pathways (and related optic nerve edema), signaling that ICP is elevated. This makes blurred vision the best indicator among the options, as purposeful movement suggests intact motor function, sudden emotional outbursts aren’t typical ICP signs, and a normal exam would not reflect an ongoing intracranial process. If blurred vision appears after head injury, it warrants urgent medical assessment for possible increased ICP.