Advances in Noninvasive Intracranial Pressure Monitoring Techniques

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is a critical aspect of managing patients with conditions such as traumatic brain injury, cerebral lesions, and intracranial hypertension. The gold standard for ICP monitoring involves invasive techniques, which are often unavailable in resource-limited settings. Noninvasive techniques, such as measuring the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) with ultrasound or using transcranial Doppler techniques, have been extensively evaluated. However, concerns about bias, variations in ONSD thresholds, and inconsistencies in the literature have limited their routine use in clinical practice. Furthermore, no current noninvasive technology can fully replace invasive ICP monitoring, highlighting a significant gap in the field.

The goal of this Research Topic is to further investigate reliable, noninvasive techniques for ICP monitoring. This includes addressing the existing challenges and limitations of current noninvasive methods, such as the risk of bias and variations in ONSD thresholds. The Research Topic also aims to explore the potential of emerging noninvasive neuromonitoring techniques, such as quantitative pupillometry and heart rate variability analysis, in detecting brain dysfunction and injury in critically ill patients. Ultimately, the objective is to improve the accuracy, reliability, and feasibility of noninvasive ICP assessment, particularly in settings where invasive methods are unavailable.

The scope of this Research Topic is primarily focused on noninvasive ICP monitoring techniques. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Evaluation of existing noninvasive ICP monitoring techniques, including their limitations and potential improvements.
- Exploration of emerging noninvasive neuromonitoring techniques and their potential application in ICP monitoring.
- Investigation of the role of artificial intelligence in improving the interpretation and deployment of noninvasive ICP monitoring techniques.
- Studies validating the accuracy and reliability of new noninvasive ICP assessment approaches, and their implementation within existing intensive care workflows.
- Research on the physiological and anatomical aspects of the optic nerve sheath and its role in noninvasive ICP monitoring.