Systems and methods for using dynamic vascular assessment to distinguish among vascular states and for investigating intracranial pressure

The present invention provides a solution to the above described shortcomings by providing a system and method for assessing the vascular health of an individual. This system and method is inexpensive, rapid, non-invasive, and provides superior data concerning the dynamic function of the vasculature. Accordingly, this system and method may be used in a wide variety of situations including, but not limited to, periodic physical examinations, in an intensive care unit, in an emergency room, in the field such as in battlefield situations or at the scene of an emergency on the highway or in the country, and in a neurological clinic. The use of this system and method enables physicians to evaluate individuals not only for their current state of vascular health, but also to detect any deviations from vascular health by evaluating specific parameters of vascular function. In addition to use during routine physical examinations, the present system and method may be used to evaluate individuals with the risk factors for cerebral vascular malfunction. Such risk factors include, but are not limited to a prior history of stroke, a genetic predisposition to stroke, smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine consumption, obesity, hypertension, aneurysms, arteritis, transient ischemic episodes (TIAs), closed head injury, history of migraine headaches, prior intracranial trauma, increased intracranial pressure, and history of drug abuse.