Increased intracranial pressure causes which of the following?

• A. Midline shift and herniations
• B. Decreased brain temperature
• C. Increased neural conduction speed
• D. Improved cognitive function

Answer: (A)

When intracranial pressure rises, the skull cannot expand, so brain tissue is pushed against structures and medially toward the midline or through natural openings. This mass effect produces a midline shift and can cause brain herniations, which are dangerous compressions of brain tissue. The other options don’t fit because ICP elevation does not lower brain temperature, increase neural conduction speed, or improve cognitive function; in fact, it typically leads to reduced perfusion, edema, and cognitive decline.