Cushing's Triad

• Patients with Cushing's triad show these three signs: widening pulse pressure (hypertension), respiratory irregularity and bradycardia. Cushing's triad, and the accompanying ICP, are usually caused by a head injury or brain tumor, and treatment depends on the specific cause.
  
  

Assessment

• According to the online Merck Manual, 10 percent of head injuries are severe. A doctor needs to assess any cases of Cushing's triad, in order to prescribe the correct treatment.
  
  

Monitoring

• Raising the head of the bed 30 degrees can help lower ICP. The cranial pressure of patients with Cushing's triad is then closely monitored using a sensor, intraventricular catheter or subarachnoid screw.
  
  

Intubation

• Intubation to alleviate respiratory distress is a standard treatment for patients with Cushing's triad. Some cases may require ventilation.
  
  

Sedation

• According to the Merck Manual, sedating someone with Cushing's triad may be a necessary treatment because physical reactions to pain, such as thrashing, can elevate ICP.
  
  

Surgery

• According to the article "Assessing and Managing Head Injury," which appeared in Emergency Medicine, surgery might be necessary when pressure is caused by a hematoma.