Benign intracranial hypertension

Abstract

Benign intracranial hypertension is a cause of progressive visual loss in children and young adults. Diagnosis is primarily clinical and requires radiographic exclusion of an intracranial mass and measurement of cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Treatment is directed at reducing intracranial pressure in idiopathic cases or correcting associated conditions. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, loop diuretics and steroids have been used for treatment. Adjunctive surgery may be indicated in cases of rapid vision loss or if medical treatment fails. Benign intracranial hypertension tends to be self-limited, with a course of less than 12 months in most cases.