In this article, you will find everything you need to know about idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
What is intracranial hypertension?
It is an increase in pressure around the brain. It occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid that cushions the spinal cord and brain, accumulates inside your skull. The fluid buildup in your brain puts pressure on the optic nerve, the nerve located at the back of your eye that helps you see.
What are the symptoms of intracranial hypertension?
The most common sign of intracranial hypertension is:
Sudden and severe headache
Physical fatigue or extreme tiredness
Headache
Loss of peripheral (side) vision
Nausea and vomiting
Shoulder and neck pain
Temporary blindness
Tinnitus (ringing in your ears)
What are the causes of intracranial hypertension?
In general, some cases of chronic intracranial hypertension occur for known reasons, such as brain tumors or blood clots. Acute (sudden) intracranial hypertension can occur due to:
Brain abscess (accumulation of pus and swelling in the brain)
Head injury or brain trauma
External blow or injury
In some cases, the cause is unknown, and this condition is called pseudotumor cerebri.
What are the diagnostic methods?
The doctor takes a medical history and performs a physical examination, and may request additional procedures as needed, such as:
CT scan or MRI of the brain
Eye examination to check for swelling near the optic nerve
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to evaluate cerebrospinal fluid
Tests to check reflexes, balance, or muscle strength
Visual field test to check for blind spots in your vision
Most tests are performed to rule out known causes of intracranial hypertension. If brain scans are normal except for pressure on the optic nerve due to increased pressure, the patient is diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri.
What are the treatment methods for intracranial hypertension?
Pseudotumor cerebri is treated through several measures or as needed, and may include:
Weight loss: If you have a high body mass index, losing weight can reduce the symptoms of intracranial hypertension.
Medications: To help your body produce less cerebrospinal fluid. You may also take a diuretic to reduce fluid retention.
Surgery: In severe cases, your doctor may recommend a cerebrospinal fluid shunt. A shunt is a long, thin tube placed in your brain to drain the excess cerebrospinal fluid.
What are the prevention methods for intracranial hypertension?
If you have a condition that increases your risk of developing the disease, talk to your doctor about the best way to manage it. For example, if you have a high body mass index, you can reduce your risk by losing weight. If you have iron deficiency anemia, you may take iron supplements or other medications.
What are the complications of intracranial hypertension caused by pseudotumor cerebri?
Without treatment, intracranial hypertension may lead to permanent vision loss. However, most people find that treatment relieves the symptoms of intracranial hypertension. After treatment, you will need regular follow-ups with an ophthalmologist to monitor your vision.
When should you see a doctor?
If the above-mentioned symptoms appear, you should see a doctor for the necessary examinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the disease called pseudotumor cerebri? Because the symptoms caused by the disease, which result from increased pressure inside the skull, are similar to those caused by brain tumors. However, this condition is benign and improves with medication.
Can pseudotumor cerebri turn into a malignant tumor? No, because the disease does not involve any actual tumors — it is due to increased pressure inside the skull.
