In the event that the MAP is excessively elevated beyond that required to maintain an adequate CPP, sedation and analgesia should be optimized prior to consideration of antihypertensive administration. No antihypertensive therapy should be instituted without consultation with a senior member of the treatment team. In the very unlikely event that blood pressure reduction is warranted, the most desirable agent would have a smooth dose-response relationship providing a predictable and controllable onset. The drug would also be a short-acting, titratable infusion to allow the specific blood pressure targets to be achieved while avoiding hypotension. Additionally, the drug would have few adverse effects and would not cause intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation.