Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is caused by increased intracranial pressure (pressure inside the head) causing optic nerve swelling (papilledema). If you have a severe case of IIH that goes untreated, you may suffer permanent loss of your vision. This condition affects mostly younger overweight women, and rarely occurs in men.

Symptoms of the condition includes:

· Headache

· Pulsing noise in the ear

· Momentary blurring of vision

· Loss of vision – starting with the peripheral vision, then rapidly affecting central vision

Tests

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – Your doctor will order a brain MRI with contrast and an MRI venogram to rule out tumours and other structural abnormalities – such as a vein clot – as these can cause similar symptoms.

Spinal tap (lumbar puncture) – Your doctor will order a spinal tap (also called a lumbar puncture) to assess the pressure around the head. This procedure is performed with a local numbing shot.

Visual field – A visual field test assesses both central and peripheral vision.

Optical coherence tomography – The test measures the thickness of the cell layers that make up the optic nerves to assess optic nerve damage.

Optic nerve photos – The test documents the amount of optic nerve swelling.

Treatments

Weight loss – In most cases, losing 6 percent or more of your body weight causes this condition to resolve on its own.

Medication – Medications including acetazolamide, topiramate, and furosemide can decrease the intracranial pressure and relieve your symptoms.

Surgery – Optic nerve sheath fenestration is a procedure in which a specialized ophthalmologist creates an opening in the lining of the optic nerve to release pressure. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedures are performed by neurosurgeons so the extra fluid around the brain can drain into the abdomen, where the body will absorb it.