Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension - Challenges and Pearls

Abstract

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is defined as a syndrome of raised intracranial pressure with normal imaging of the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition. There is a rising incidence and prevalence of this disease related to the increased prevalence of obesity. It typically affects women of working age, and headache is the predominant morbidity in over 90%. The disease is also more prevalent in young males. There are many controversies and myths that surround IIH. There are currently few treatment options for IIH, management is typically medical with those experiencing progressive visual loss undergoing surgical procedures. Weight loss and venous sinus stenting are a few therapies directed at the etiology.

Keywords: Cerebrospinal fluid; headache; idiopathic intracranial hypertension; optic nerve sheath fenestration; papilledema; pseudotumor cerebri; raised intracranial pressure.