Which of the following is a symptom of increased intracranial pressure?

Headaches are a classic symptom of increased intracranial pressure. When pressure inside the skull rises, it can lead to various neurological symptoms, with headaches being one of the most common and noticeable. This is due to tension on the brain's pain receptors and the surrounding tissues. Other manifestations of increased intracranial pressure can include nausea, vomiting, altered consciousness, and visual disturbances, but headaches often serve as the initial warning sign for those experiencing this condition.

Increased intracranial pressure can result from a variety of causes such as traumatic brain injury, tumors, infections, or conditions like hydrocephalus. Recognizing the symptoms early is crucial in a tactical or combat scenario, as timely intervention can prevent further complications and could even be life-saving.

Other options, while they may indicate different medical conditions or responses, are not typically associated with increased intracranial pressure. For instance, an elevated heart rate can occur due to stress, pain, or shock, but it is not a direct symptom of increased intracranial pressure. Excessive salivation may relate to different gastrointestinal or neurological issues, and a skin rash doesn't correlate with intracranial pressure changes. Thus, headaches remain the key symptom to identify.