Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (also known as pseudotumour cerebri and formerly benign intracranial hypertension) is a condition classically seen in young, overweight females.
Features
Risk factors
Management
*if intracranial hypertension is thought to occur secondary to a known causes (e.g. Medication) then it is of course not idiopathic
Features
- headache
- blurred vision
- papilloedema (usually present)
- enlarged blind spot
- sixth nerve palsy may be present
Risk factors
- obesity
- female sex
- pregnancy
- drugs*: oral contraceptive pill, steroids, tetracycline, vitamin A, lithium
Management
- weight loss
- diuretics e.g. acetazolamide
- topiramate is also used, and has the added benefit of causing weight loss in most patients
- repeated lumbar puncture
- surgery: optic nerve sheath decompression and fenestration may be needed to prevent damage to the optic nerve. A lumboperitoneal or ventriculoperitoneal shunt may also be performed to reduce intracranial pressure
*if intracranial hypertension is thought to occur secondary to a known causes (e.g. Medication) then it is of course not idiopathic
