The ICP medical abbreviation has two main meanings: intracranial pressure, the force exerted inside the skull, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver condition that causes intense itching late in pregnancy. Which one applies depends almost entirely on the setting.
In neurology, neurosurgery and intensive care notes, ICP is the pressure reading that teams watch after a head injury or brain bleed. In prenatal and obstetric notes, ICP is the pregnancy condition, also called obstetric cholestasis. This page explains both, shows sample lines, and lists the related abbreviations that tend to appear beside each one, such as EVD and LFT.
At a glance
Stands for
Intracranial pressure (neurology, ICU)Other meanings
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (obstetrics)Normal range
Intracranial pressure usually about 5 to 15 mmHg in adults at restMeasured with
An EVD or a pressure monitor placed in the skullPregnancy clue
Itching of palms and soles, raised bile acidsWhere you see it
Neuro ICU flowsheets, neurosurgery notes, prenatal records
ICP medical abbreviation in brain care
The skull is a closed box holding brain tissue, blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Intracranial pressure is the pressure inside that box. If something adds volume, such as swelling, bleeding, a tumor or blocked fluid flow, the pressure rises because the skull cannot stretch. High pressure can squeeze brain tissue and reduce blood flow to it.
In adults at rest, ICP is usually about 5 to 15 mmHg, and teams often start treatment when it stays above about 20 to 22 mmHg; each unit follows its own protocol. Signs of rising pressure include worsening headache, vomiting, drowsiness, and changes in pupils or the GCS.
Reading an ICP line on a neuro ICU flowsheet
| Text | Plain meaning |
|---|---|
| ICP 12 mmHg | Pressure inside the skull measured at 12 millimeters of mercury |
| via EVD | Read through an external ventricular drain, a thin tube into the fluid space |
| HOB 30 degrees | Head of bed raised to help fluid and blood drain from the head |
| neuro checks q1h | Brain and nerve assessments every hour |
HOB means head of bed. Raised ICP is a common concern after TBI and SAH.
ICP medical abbreviation in pregnancy
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver condition in which bile does not flow normally, so bile acids build up in the blood. It usually appears in the later part of pregnancy. The hallmark symptom is itching, often worst on the palms and soles and at night, without a rash. Some people also notice dark urine or pale stools.
It is diagnosed with blood tests for bile acids and liver function, shown as LFTs in many charts. Because it is linked to higher risks for the baby, care teams usually monitor more closely and may discuss timing of delivery. The itching typically clears soon after birth.
Prenatal note: "G2P1 at 34 weeks, pruritus palms/soles, bile acids raised, c/w ICP." Here ICP means intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and c/w means consistent with.
Telling the two meanings apart
The quickest test is the chart you are reading. A neurosurgery note, an intensive care flowsheet, or a line with mmHg and a drain points to intracranial pressure. A prenatal visit, words such as weeks pregnant, itching or bile acids, or an obstetric team points to intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
The two meanings very rarely meet in one note. If a record uses ICP and the setting is unclear, asking the clinician who wrote it settles it quickly. Related neuro terms appear in the diagnosis abbreviations collection.
Questions for the care team
- For brain pressure: what number is the team aiming for, and how is it being measured?
- What signs would show the pressure is rising?
- For pregnancy: how often will bile acids and liver tests be checked?
- What monitoring of the baby is planned, and has delivery timing been discussed?
These are general explanations. A neurology, intensive care or obstetric team can explain how an ICP finding applies to the person in their care.
Frequently asked questions
What does ICP mean in pregnancy?
In pregnancy ICP means intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver condition that raises bile acids and causes strong itching, especially of the hands and feet. It is usually found in the later months.
What is a normal ICP reading?
Intracranial pressure in a resting adult is usually about 5 to 15 mmHg. Hospitals set their own targets and treatment thresholds.
How is intracranial pressure measured?
It is usually measured with a device placed through the skull, either an external ventricular drain in the fluid spaces or a small pressure sensor. These are used mainly in intensive care after serious brain injury or bleeding.
Does ICP in pregnancy go away?
The itching and lab changes usually settle within days to weeks after delivery. It can come back in a later pregnancy, so it is worth mentioning to future care teams.