Intracranial pressure depends on cerebral tissue volume, cerebrospinal fluid volume (CSFV) and cerebral blood volume (CBV). Physiologically, their sum is constant (Monro-Kelly equation) and ICP remains stable. When the blood brain barrier (BBB) is intact, the volume of cerebral tissue depends on the osmotic pressure gradient. When it is injured, water movements across the BBB depend on the hydrostatic pressure gradient. CBV depends essentially on cerebral blood flow (CBF), which is strongly regulated by cerebral vascular resistances. In experimental studies, a decrease in oncotic pressure does not increase cerebral oedema and intracranial hypertension (ICHT). On the other hand, plasma hypoosmolarity increases cerebral water content and therefore ICP, if the BBB is intact. If it is injured, neither hypoosmolarity nor hypooncotic pressure modify cerebral oedema. Therefore, all hypotonic solutes may aggravate cerebral oedema and are contra-indicated in case of ICHT. On the other hand, hypooncotic solutes do not modify ICP. The osmotic therapy is one of the most important therapeutic tools for acute ICHT. Mannitol remains the treatment of choice. It acts very quickly. An i.v. perfusion of 0.25 g.kg-1 is administered over 20 minutes when ICP increases. Hypertonic saline solutes act in the same way, however they are not more efficient than mannitol. CO2 is the strongest modulating factor of CBF. Hypocapnia, by inducing cerebral vasoconstriction, decreases CBF and CBV. Hyperventilation is an efficient and rapid means for decreasing ICP. However, it cannot be used systematically without an adapted monitoring, as hypocapnia may aggravate cerebral ischaemia. Hyperthermia is an aggravating factor for ICHT, whereas moderate hypothermia seems to be beneficial both for ICP and cerebral metabolism. Hyperglycaemia has no direct effect on cerebral volume, but it may aggravate ICHT by inducing cerebral lactic acidosis and cytotoxic oedemia. Therefore, infusion of glucose solutes is contra-indicated in the first 24 hours following head trauma and blood glucose concentration must be closely monitored and controlled during ICHT episodes.