[dreamrider_212]

I am a nursing student who is trying to get my head around the concept of Elastance and compliance. Can anyone help with a down to earth way to figure out the difference and apply it to IICP??

Any info would REALLY be appreciated.......

[Aquarian]

ICP is a reflection of the relationship between alterations in craniospinal volume and the ability of the craniospinal axis (CSA) to accomodate added volume. The CSA is a partially closed box with container properties including viscous and elastic elements. The elastic, or its inverse the compliant, properties of the container will determine what added volume can be absorbed before ICP begins to rise.

Elastance ( dP/dV) is the stiffness of the brain (resistance offered to expansion of a mass).

Compliance (dV/dP) is the expandability (distensibility) of the brain within the intracranial space.

Inc. ICP ---> Brain compensates at first by high Compliance + low Elastance

Inc. Elastance + dec. Compliance ---> ICP Rises ---> loss of autoregulation (loss of the ability of cerebral vessels to change diameter to ensure constant blood flow over a range of perfusion pressures) ---> S/Sxs of Inc. ICP ( LOC alteration, pupillary changes, HA, etc. )

Hope this helps.