Effects of Intracranial Pressure on Tympanometric Parameters

Hydrocephalus is a medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain, typically causing an increase in patient intracranial pressure (ICP). The increased ICP can result in headache, nausea, vomiting, and even death. To combat this potentially dangerous elevated ICP, physicians often use surgically implemented brain shunt systems that drain excess CSF from the brain into the abdominal cavity. Monitoring of ICP in patients with hydrocephalus is crucial for the effective management of brain shunt systems. Currently, clinical ICP measurement approaches are typically invasive and are performed using intraventricular catheters placed through a drilled hole in the skull. Home monitoring of ICP may be advantageous for tracking patient clinical status. A noninvasive method would be particularly useful for ICP monitoring in the emergency department, doctor's office, home and other non-ICU settings. This study aims to explore the correlation between ICP and tympanometric parameters including static acoustic compliance, a measurement of middle ear pressure at maximum compliance. Tympanometry was performed on subjects who rested on a tilt table at varying tilt angles, which induces changes in ICP. Results suggested a correlation between tilt angles and pressure of the middle ear at peak compliance. Tympanometry may provide a noninvasive method for monitoring ICP.