The Monro-Kellie doctrine is a well-accepted principle of intracranial hemodynamics. It has undergone few consequential revisions since it was established. Its principle is straightforward: The combined volume of neuronal tissue, blood, and CSF is ...
The Monro-Kellie Doctrine was first described by Dr Alexander Monro and Dr George Kellie. It describes the relationship between the contents of the cranium and intracranial pressure.
The Monro-Kellie doctrine or hypothesis states that the sum of volumes of brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and intracerebral blood is constant. An increase in one should cause a reciprocal decrease in either one or both of the remaining two.
The Monro-Kellie doctrine describes a fundamental principle in neurology, explaining how pressure is maintained inside the skull. The skull is a sealed, rigid container that cannot expand. This doctrine states that the total volume of everything inside this fixed container remains constant.
In its original form, the hypothesis had shortcomings that prompted modification by others. What finally came to be known as the Monro–Kellie doctrine, or hypothesis, is that the sum of volumes of brain, CSF, and intracranial blood is constant. An increase in one should cause a decrease in one or both of the remaining two.
The Monro-Kellie doctrine, introduced in the late 18th century, was a groundbreaking concept aimed at explaining the interactions between intracranial volume components. It has since become a cornerstone of brain physiology, now recognized as intracranial dynamics. Initially, the doctrine focused on physiological observations of the three incompressible components of the cranial vault: brain ...
Multiple studies, however, now suggest that the Monro-Kellie doctrine is due for further examination, particularly in the setting of abnormal intracranial pressure. Both increased and decreased intracranial pressure exerts downstream effects on the calvaria. Increased pressure leads to calvarial thinning and pitting,2while decreased pressure leads to development of layering hyperostosis along ...