Emergence hypertension is a common occurrence in patients emerging from general anesthesia.
This elevation of arterial pressure is particularly concerning in patients undergoing
craniotomy due to increased risk of morbidity and mortality in patients with altered
intracranial elastance. Thus, identifying better methods to attenuate the hemodynamic changes
associated with emergence from anesthesia can improve patient safety, especially in the
neurosurgical patient.
Study Hypothesis: Nicardipine is more effective than esmolol as a sole agent in maintaining
blood pressure within goal range in the setting of emergence hypertension after craniotomy.