Peter Drier, a bank technology manager in New York City, was blindsided after neck surgery by a $117,000 bill from a doctor he did not recall meeting. Credit Joshua Bright for The New York Times.
Cushing's triad, which includes bradycardia, hypertension (with widened pulse pressure), and a change in respiratory pattern, is seen in head injuries with increased intracranial pressure (ICP).
Signs and symptoms of increased ICP in addition to Cushing's triad include headache, vomiting, drowsiness, and lethargy. Studies have shown that common practices aimed at lowering ICP, such as intubation and hyperventilation, are often futile. Cerebral edema is not uncommon after head injuries.