Which symptoms most strongly suggest increased intracranial pressure?

• A. Headache and fever
• B. Headache, vomiting, papilledema, decreased level of consciousness
• C. Neck stiffness
• D. Tremor

Answer: (B)

Raised intracranial pressure shows up with signs that reflect pressure on brain tissues and reduced blood flow. Headache happens because the meninges and vessels are stretched as pressure builds. Vomiting often follows since the pressure can irritate or compress the vomiting center in the brainstem. Papilledema is the swelling of the optic disc caused by pressure transmitted along the optic nerve sheath and impaired venous drainage from the eye. As the pressure rises further, cerebral perfusion worsens and level of consciousness can decline. Neck stiffness or tremor aren’t typical indicators of raised intracranial pressure and fever points more toward infection rather than ICP alone.