Idiopathic intracranial hypertension Flashcards
1
Q
Define IIH.
A
IIH, also known as pseudotumor cerebri, is a disorder of increased intracranial pressure that occurs mainly in overweight women of childbearing years, often in the setting of weight gain.
2
Q
What are the risk factors for IIH?
A
- obesity
- female sex
- pregnancy
- drugs*
3
Q
Which medications predispose to IIH?
A
- COCP
- steroids
- tetracyclines
- vitamin A
- lithium
Increases RISK - if IIH is due to this then it is not idiopathic
4
Q
What are the clinical features of IIH?
A
- headache
- blurred vision
- papilloedema (usually present)
- enlarged blind spot
- CNVI palsy may be present
5
Q
What is the main medication used in the management of IIH?
A
Acetazolamide (diuretic)
6
Q
What is the MOA of acetazolamide?
A
Thought to reduceICP by reducing Na+ transport through the choroid plexus epithelium
7
Q
When is IIH not ‘idiopathic’?
A
When it is thought to be secondary to a known cause e.g.medication
