Objective To discuss the meaning of continuous intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring in patients with severe traumatic craniocerebral injury. Methods One hundred and twenty four patients with severe craniocerebral injury treated from August 2004 to February 2011 in our hospital, were enrolled and divided randomly into ICP monitoring group (n = 62) and routine treatment group (n = 62). The patients of ICP monitoring group had adjusted treatment plan according to the changes of ICP at any time, whereas the patients in routine treatment group underwent routine neurosurgical treatment according to the doctors' experience. Results There were 7 cases of acute kidney function failure,and 11 cases of electrolyte disturbances in the ICP group.There were 15 cases of acute kidney function failure, and 25 cases of electrolyte disturbances in the routine group. The complication rate in the ICP group was lower than that in the routine group (x2 =3. 54 and 7.67 for acute kidney function failure and electrolyte disturbances respectively, Ps <0. 01). The days of mannite using were (6±2)dand (15 ±3)d, respectively; the dosage of mannite using were (749 ± 125) g and (1545 ±250) g,respectively. The good recovery and slight disability were 28 and 16 cases in the ICP group, and 13 and 9 cases in the routine group,respectively. The severe disability,vegetative state and death were 9,4 and 8 cases in the ICP group,and 17,7 and 13 cases in the routine group. The days and dosage of mannite using in the ICP group were much less than those in the routine group (t = 8. 32 and 7.41, Ps < 0. 01). The proportion of good recovery and slight disability in the ICP group were higher than those in the routine group(x2 =5. 07 and 3. 55,Ps <0.01). However, the proportion of severe disability, vegetative state and death in the ICP group were lower than those in the routine group (x2 =0.84,0.89 and 1.43, Ps < 0. 01) . Conclusion Continuous ICP monitoring in severe craniocerebral injury shows benefits in directing treatment plan adjustment, reducing complications and improving the prognosis.