Cushing reflex
Cushing reflex (also known as the Cushing effect, Cushing reaction, Cushing phenomenon, Cushing response, or Cushing's Law) is a physiological nervous system response to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) that results in Cushing's triad of increased blood pressure, irregular or decreased respiration, and bradycardia. It is usually seen in the terminal stages of acute head injury and may indicate imminent brain herniation. It can also be seen after the intravenous administration of epinephrine and similar drugs.
Pronunciation
The term is pronounced as /ˈkʊʃɪŋ rɪˈflɛks/.
Etymology
The Cushing reflex is named after Harvey Cushing, the American neurosurgeon who first described the clinical syndrome in 1901.
Physiology
The Cushing reflex is a last-ditch effort by the body to maintain perfusion to the brain. It is triggered when the blood pressure in the brain is too high, causing the blood vessels to constrict. This increases the resistance to blood flow, which in turn increases the blood pressure. The body responds by slowing the heart rate (bradycardia) and increasing the blood pressure (hypertension) to try to decrease the pressure in the brain.
Clinical significance
The Cushing reflex is a sign of a potentially life-threatening condition and requires immediate medical attention. It is often a preterminal event. It is most commonly seen in patients with traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, or other conditions that increase intracranial pressure.
Related terms
- Cushing's triad: The clinical syndrome characterized by hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular or abnormal respirations. It is a sign of increased intracranial pressure.
- Cushing's syndrome: A hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body's tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol. It is different from the Cushing reflex.
- Cushing's disease: A condition in which the pituitary gland releases too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It is also different from the Cushing reflex.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cushing reflex
- Wikipedia's article - Cushing reflex
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