Intracranial pressure (ICP) can be measured by a monitor placed into one of the lateral ventricles; in the subarachnoid, subdural, or epidural spaces; or in the brain parenchyma.

ICP monitors should be placed in a patient’s nondominant hemisphere (e.g. right hemisphere in a right-handed person).

Kocher’s point is the external skin landmark most commonly used for insertion; at this point, the catheter trajectory to the frontal horn of the lateral ventricle avoids bridging veins, the superior sagittal sinus, and the motor strip. Kocher’s point is located 2 cm anterior to the coronal suture at the mid-pupillary line (2–3 cm lateral to midline). The coronal suture is approximately 11–12 cm from the base of the nose.

Alternative sites for placement include Keen’s point, which is located 2.5 cm posterior and superior to the top of the ear (posterior-parietal), a Frazier burr hole (occipital-parietal), and Dandy’s point (occipital).