Elevation of the head to a 30° angle is a common practice but is now debated. For every 10° of head elevation, the ICP is
thought to drop by 1 mmHg but CPP is believed to reduce, thus compromising blood flow to the brain. However, Winkelman (2000) performed a small experimental study, suggesting that head elevation is beneficial and does not compromise cerebral perfusion. March et al. (1990) suggested that elevation and leg positioning should be individually assigned in response to ICP and CPP measurements, but further research is still needed. McLean (2001) highlighted that moving and repositioning patients could cause rises in ICP but noted the dilemma for the nurse who is trying to prevent other complications caused by
immobility.