In a client experiencing increased ICP from a closed traumatic brain injury, what is the main cause of this increase?

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The main cause of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in a client with a closed traumatic brain injury is due to the rigid structure of the skull, which houses the cranial contents—brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and blood. The skull is a closed system, meaning that when there is swelling or an increase in volume from any of these components, the only way for pressure to adjust is through an increase in ICP.

In the context of a traumatic brain injury, various factors such as edema (swelling of the brain), bleeding (hematomas), or increased blood volume can lead to a surge in the contents within the skull. Since the skull cannot expand, this results in a significant increase in pressure, which can compromise brain function and lead to serious complications if not managed promptly.

Other possible causes listed, such as excessive white matter or cerebrospinal fluid, may impact overall brain health, but they do not directly explain the mechanical limitation imposed by the rigid skull during the acute phase of a closed head injury. Similarly, decreased blood flow pertains more to perfusion issues than to the direct mechanical consequences of volume increase within a non-expandable cavity.

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