Brain tumors, hemorrhage, or infection can increase the pressure of the cerebral spinal fluid. Pascal’s principle can be used to determine if fluid flow in the spinal canal has been blocked. If the jugular vein is squeezed, intercranial pressure increases. If a spinal tap is performed, blocking the path momentarily and pressure is unaffected, an obstruction is indicated.

Another area where Pascal’s principle can be seen is in how amniotic fluid distributes pressure to protect the unborn child in a mother’s womb.