Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is not usually life threatening, but it can be a lifelong problem.

It can affect your vision, and there’s a risk that you could lose your vision. This is because the increased pressure around the brain can cause swelling of the optic nerve.

Treatment can help with problems with your vision and can reduce the risk of loss of vision.

It’s important to tell your doctor straight away if you notice any changes in your vision.

Intracranial hypertension is systematized in four categories according to its aetiology and pathogenic mechanisms:

• Parenchymatous intracranial hypertension with an intrinsic cerebral cause;
• Vascular intracranial hypertension, which has its aetiology in disorders of cerebral blood circulation;
• Intracranial hypertension caused by disorders of cerebro–spinal fluid dynamics;
• Idiopathic ICH.

Some intracranial hypertension occurs because of known causes. Some people have chronic (long-lasting) intracranial hypertension because of health conditions like brain tumors or blood clots.

Acute (sudden) intracranial hypertension can occur after a:

• Brain abscess (collection of pus and swelling in the brain).
• Head injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Stroke.

If you have idiopathic intracranial hypertension, that means cerebrospinal fluid builds up for no known reason. This type can affect anyone but is most common in younger women who carry excess weight.

Women are more likely to develop the disease than men. Most are between ages 20 and 50.

You are also more likely to have idiopathic intracranial hypertension if you have:

• Body mass index (BMI) above 30.
• Chronic kidney disease.
• Conditions that affect your hormones, such as Cushing  syndrome, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
• Iron deficiency anemia (lack of red blood cells).
• Lupus.
• Polycythemia vera (too many red blood cells).

The most common sign of intracranial hypertension is a sudden, severe headache. Sometimes the headache is so painful that it wakes you from sleep. People with intracranial hypertension may also have a change in vision. You might see double or have sudden blind spots. Several conditions can cause these symptoms, so check with your doctor to find out if symptoms are related to this disease or another condition.

Intracranial hypertension symptoms can also include:

• Fatigue.
• Headaches.
• Loss of peripheral (side) vision.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Shoulder and neck pain.
• Temporary blindness.
• Tinnitus (ringing in your ears).

Your doctor may use several diagnostic tests to rule out a tumor and find the cause of your symptoms. You may have:

• Brain CT scan or MRI.
• Eye exam to check for swelling near your optic nerve.
• Spinal tap (lumbar puncture) to evaluate your cerebrospinal fluid.
• Tests to check your reflexes, balance or muscle strength.
• Visual field test to check for blind spots in your vision.