Physiological features of the pressure-volume function of brain elasticity in man

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Abstract
The intracranial pressure-volume relationship of brain elasticity was examined in 20 patients with suspected disorders of the CSF system. Elasticity measurements were made as the patients were studied with a servo-controlled lumbar infusion technique to measure CSF absorptive capacity. The relationship between intracranial pressure (ICP) and volume, and between ICP variability and the level of ICP was evaluated. The exponential nature of the pressure-volume elasticity function was confirmed in patients who were not critically ill. Of the 20 patients, 8 had normal CSF absorptive capacities. No difference existed between their elasticity measurements and those of patients with absorptive defects. ICP variability was linearly related to the acutal level of ICP. The physiological features of the pressure-volume elasticity function were reviewed. The clinical value and significance of elasticity measurements is questioned.