About this topic
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is also called pseudotumor cerebri. It may be shortened to IIH. With this illness there is raised pressure around the brain. You may hear this called intracranial pressure or ICP. The raised pressure often gives you the same signs as if you have a brain tumor. ‚
What are the causes?
The cause of IIH is not known. It may be due to a buildup of pressure within the skull caused by too much cerebrospinal fluid or CSF. CSF protects the brain and spinal cord from injury. Sometimes this fluid is not absorbed the right way into the bloodstream. Then pressure inside the skull may build. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Being overweight
- Female between 18 and 45 years of age
- Blood clot in veins of the brain or neck
- Adrenal gland problem like Addisons disease
- Head injury
- Certain illness like lupus, mono, Lyme disease, COPD
- Thyroid problems
- Very bad iron deficiency anemia
- Kidney or heart failure
- Certain drugs like steroids, contraceptives, hormones
- Vitamin A poisoning
What are the main signs?
- Headaches with mild to very bad pain
- Upset stomach, throwing up, or feeling dizzy
- Whooshing or rushing noise or ringing in the ears
- Eyesight grays out for a few seconds at a time. May happen when coughing, sneezing, or bending over.
- Eyesight problems
- Pain behind the eye or with eye movement
- Swelling of the optic disc. This is papilledema.
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- CT or MRI scan
- Eye exam by a trained eye specialist to check:
- Peripheral eyesight
- Color vision
- Clearness
- Optic discs for swelling
- Spinal tap to find out how much pressure is in your skull
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Stopping certain drugs
- Weight loss program if you are very overweight
- Surgery to lower pressure on the optic nerve
- Spinal fluid shunt ¢ ˆ ’ A tube called a shunt is put into the brain or lower spine to drain extra CSF and ease pressure.
- Repeat eye exams to watch for eyesight changes, blind spots, or swelling
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower pressure around the brain
- Help with pain and swelling
- Get rid of extra fluids
What problems could happen?
- Eyesight problems
- Blindness
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid taking over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that may raise pressure inside the skull. Ask your doctor before taking drugs.
- Avoid activities that can cause head injuries. Wear helmets when riding a motorcycle or bikes or when doing sports.
Helpful tips
- See your doctor right away if you have a sudden change in your eyesight.
- Avoid headaches caused by IIH by avoiding stressful events. Learn how to cope with stress and difficult situations. Try to relax.
- When traveling, you should always carry your latest CT scan with you.
Where can I learn more?
Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation ‚
http://www.ihrfoundation.org/ ‚
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/pseudotumorcerebri/pseudotumorcerebri.htm ‚
National Organization of Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/640/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚