Answer :
Final answer:
The physiological response to rapidly increasing intracranial pressure and imminent brain herniation is Hypertension and bradycardia, known as the Cushing reflex, crucial for maintaining cerebral perfusion but indicative of severe neurological distress. So, the correct answer is option (c).
Explanation:
The physiological response to rapidly increasing intracranial pressure and imminent brain herniation includes Hypertension and bradycardia. This reaction is part of the Cushing reflex, a physiological nervous system response to increased intracranial pressure (ICP), typically resulting from brain trauma or other conditions causing brain swelling. The reflex mechanism aims to maintain cerebral perfusion under conditions of increased ICP by increasing systemic blood pressure.
However, the bradycardia is a result of the baroreceptor reflex mechanism; as blood pressure elevates, the heart rate slows down in an attempt to reduce the pressure. This high blood pressure helps push against the pressure inside the skull, ensuring oxygen and nutrients continue to flow to the brain.
While hypertension (increased blood pressure) attempts to counteract the effects of increased intracranial pressure by forcing blood into the brain, bradycardia (slowed heart rate) can mitigate the potential damage high blood pressure might cause systemically. Though effective in maintaining cerebral perfusion, prolonged Cushing reflex can be detrimental and indicative of severe neurological distress that requires immediate medical attention.
