Emergency Medicine Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Preparation

Cushing's triad is a clinical syndrome characterized by three classic signs: hypertension (often significantly elevated blood pressure), bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate), and irregular or abnormal respiratory patterns. The presence of Cushing's triad indicates increased intracranial pressure (ICP) typically caused by processes such as a brain tumor, hemorrhage, or traumatic brain injury.

The physiological rationale behind this triad is that elevated intracranial pressure leads to decreased cerebral perfusion, triggering compensatory mechanisms. Hypertension develops as the body attempts to maintain blood flow to the brain, while bradycardia can occur due to increased pressure on the brainstem, which regulates heart rate. The breathing pattern alterations arise from the impact on the brain's respiratory centers.

Recognizing Cushing's triad is critical because it signals a potential neurological emergency that requires immediate intervention to reduce ICP and prevent further brain injury. Proper management can involve various strategies such as elevating the head, administering medications to decrease fluid volume, or even surgical interventions to relieve pressure. Thus, identifying Cushing's triad in a patient is a vital step in the assessment and management of conditions associated with increased intracranial pressure.