What severe complication may arise from increased intracranial pressure?

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) can lead to a range of serious consequences for brain health. One of the most critical complications is cerebral ischemia. When pressure inside the skull increases, it can impede the blood flow to various parts of the brain. This restricted blood flow means that the brain tissue receives less oxygen and nutrients, leading to an insufficient supply vital for maintaining cellular functions.

If cerebral ischemia occurs, it can cause brain cells to become damaged or die, potentially resulting in permanent neurological deficits or even death if not promptly addressed. This is particularly concerning in acute situations where the brain’s autoregulation mechanisms—responsible for maintaining adequate blood flow despite pressure changes—may fail.

While the other options may be related to neurological conditions, they do not directly result from increased intracranial pressure in the same immediate or acute manner. Tumor growth could potentially cause increased ICP but is not itself a complication that arises due to already elevated pressure. Spinal stenosis pertains more to narrowing of spinal canal and is not directly related to intracranial pressure, nor does cerebral hemorrhage directly arise from increased ICP, although it may coexist in certain conditions.