Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Question 1

What population is Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension most commonly seen in?

Answer 1

Young, overweight females

Question 2

What are some features of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension?

Answer 2

• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Papilloedema (usually present)
• Enlarged blind spot
• Sixth nerve palsy may be present

Question 3

What are some risk factors for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension?

Answer 3

• Obesity
• Female sex
• Pregnancy
• Drugs: oral contraceptive pill, steroids, tetracycline, vitamin A

Question 4

What is the management for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension?

Answer 4

• Weight loss
• Diuretics e.g. acetazolamide
• Topiramate is also used, and has the added benefit of causing weight loss in most patients
• Repeated lumbar puncture
• Surgery: optic nerve sheath decompression and fenestration may be needed to prevent damage to the optic nerve. A lumboperitoneal or ventriculoperitoneal shunt may also be performed to reduce intracranial pressure