Which intravenous induction agent is traditionally avoided in a patient with intracranial hypertension because it increases cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure?
- A Propofol
- B Thiopentone
- C Ketamine ✓
- D Etomidate
Correct answer: C. Ketamine
Explanation
Ketamine activates cortical metabolism and increases cerebral blood flow, cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen and intracranial pressure, so standard Indian textbooks list raised intracranial pressure as a contraindication. Propofol and thiopentone both lower intracranial pressure along with cerebral metabolic rate, and etomidate keeps intracranial pressure essentially unchanged while maintaining perfusion pressure.
Reference: Morgan and Mikhail's Clinical Anesthesiology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.