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Review
. 2021 Aug;11(4):e504-e507.
doi: 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000001063.

The Potentially Modifiable Risk Factor in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Body Weight

Susan P Mollan  1 , Abd A Tahrani  1 , Alexandra J Sinclair  1
Affiliations
Review

The Potentially Modifiable Risk Factor in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Body Weight

Susan P Mollan et al. Neurol Clin Pract. 2021 Aug.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) prevalence increased in conjunction with rising obesity rates. Here, we highlight the importance of weight management in IIH and introduce glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs) as potential treatment strategy for IIH.

Recent findings: Weight gain is a risk factor for IIH, and weight loss (via any treatment strategy) plays a key role in IIH management. GLP-1 is an incretin secreted by the distal small intestine in response to a meal. GLP-1 RAs have been shown to improve glycaemic control (no hypoglycaemia) and lower body weight in patients with and without type 2 diabetes. The choroid plexus has been found to express GLP-1 receptors, and treatment with a GLP-1 RA significantly reduces CSF secretion in vitro and intracranial pressure (ICP) in rodents.

Summary: New research evaluating the pathophysiology of IIH supports GLP-1 RA as a potential treatment for IIH via weight loss dependent and independent mechanism to directly reduce ICP.

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Figures

Figure
Figure. Infogram Detailing Known Pathogenic Factors and Potential Targeted Treatments for IIH
GLP-1 = glucagon-like peptide 1; ICP = intracranial pressure; IIH = idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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