Abstract |
In order to examine the effects of verapamil on intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with compromised intracranial compliance, five hypertensive patients with supratentorial tumors were given verapamil, 5 mg intravenously, at the time of anesthesia induction. Within 4 minutes, ICP increased 67% from 18 +/- 4 mm Hg (standard error) to 27 +/- 5 mm Hg (p less than 0.05), whereas mean arterial pressure decreased 20% from 111 +/- 7 mm Hg to 89 +/- 4 mm Hg (p less than 0.05), and cerebral perfusion pressure ( CPP) decreased 33% from 93 +/- 11 mm Hg to 62 +/- 6 mm Hg (p less than 0.05). The increases in ICP responded promptly to hyperventilation and intravenous lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg). A control group of five hypertensive patients with supratentorial tumors received the same anesthetic agents without verapamil. In this group, ICP and CPP were unchanged. The authors conclude that calcium entry-blockers, such as verapamil, should be avoided in patients with compromised intracranial compliance unless ICP is being monitored and proper therapy for intracranial hypertension can be rapidly instituted.
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Authors | R F Bedford, R Dacey, H R Winn, C Lynch 3rd |
Journal | Journal of neurosurgery
(J Neurosurg)
Vol. 59
Issue 5
Pg. 800-2
(Nov 1983)
ISSN: 0022-3085 [Print] United States |
PMID | 6619931
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Brain Neoplasms
(drug therapy)
- Humans
- Intracranial Pressure
(drug effects)
- Verapamil
(pharmacology)
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