A Mathematical Model to Simulate Intracranial Pressure and Unified Interpretation of Several Disease Entities

BACKGROUND Many clinical phenomena related to cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) and intracranial pressure (ICP) are often contrary to common sense and difficult to explain by classical theory. Such as slit ventricle syndrome, normal intracranial pressure hydrocephalus / low pressure hydrocephalus, paradoxical herniation, and so on. Many authors have different theories about them but can’t have an unified explanation. OBJECTIVE We try to simulate the above CSF disorders and ICP conduction with a mathematical method, and make theoretical interpretations to them. METHODS We introduced a mathematical model based on several well-accepted hypothesesto simulate human CSF physiology and propose that ICP curve should be an U-shaped curve (especially, we introduce the hypothesis that CSF also play a role of decompression). Maple software was used to draw charts according to our formula. We use the theory and intuitive charts to explain those illnesses one by one. RESULTS The formula: ICP = μ · MAP − δ · Vα · μ · MAP + θ · Vβ · μ · MAP + C, and corresponding diagrams was conducted. CONCLUSION This mathematical model is a supplement to the classical Monro-Kellie’s theory, the curve and coordinate system can be used to analyze different pathophysiological states and give a reasonable unified explanation to them.

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