Neurosurgery mnemonic

Response to raised intracranial pressure

The mnemonic

Cushing's triad

What each word stands for

  • HypertensionWide pulse pressure, to maintain cerebral perfusion
  • BradycardiaReflex response to the raised pressure
  • Irregular respirationBrainstem compromise

Why it matters clinically

A late sign of impending herniation that needs urgent intervention.

Where it stops being reliable

It is a late and unreliable sign. Do not wait for the full triad before acting on a falling Glasgow Coma Scale.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Neurosurgery mnemonic?

Cushing's triad. It helps you recall: Response to raised intracranial pressure.

What does "Hypertension" stand for?

Wide pulse pressure, to maintain cerebral perfusion

What does "Bradycardia" stand for?

Reflex response to the raised pressure

What does "Irregular respiration" stand for?

Brainstem compromise

What are all the parts of the Cushing's triad mnemonic?

Hypertension: Wide pulse pressure, to maintain cerebral perfusion; Bradycardia: Reflex response to the raised pressure; Irregular respiration: Brainstem compromise.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Neurosurgery in General Surgery.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

It is a late and unreliable sign. Do not wait for the full triad before acting on a falling Glasgow Coma Scale.

How is this useful clinically?

A late sign of impending herniation that needs urgent intervention.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a General Surgery question about Neurosurgery.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.