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Cushing's triad
System: Neurological Signs · All neurological signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
The combination of rising systolic blood pressure with a widening pulse pressure, a slow heart rate and irregular breathing.
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with critically raised pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure).
◈ Behind the name
Harvey Cushing (1869–1939), pioneering American neurosurgeon.
Related signs — Neurological Signs
Browse the C section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.