Cushing's triad

Cushing's triad (not to be confused with the Cushing reflex) is a sign of increased intracranial pressure. It is the triad of:

1. Hypertension (progressively increasing systolic blood pressure)

2. Bradycardia

3. Widening pulse pressure (an increase in the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure over time)

Cushing's triad suggests a cerebral hemorrhage in the setting of trauma or an space occupying lesion (e.g. brain tumor) that is growing and a possible impending fatal herniation of the brain. Cushing's triad is named after an American neurosurgeon Harvey Williams Cushing (1869-1939).

Cushing's triad

hypertension (with increased pulse pressure) bradycardia, irregular respirations.