Idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Question 1

What is intracranial hypertension?

Answer 1

Increased pressure inside the skull

Intracranial hypertension means that the pressure of the fluid that surrounds the brain (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) is too high

Question 2

What are the main symptoms of intracranial hypertension?

Answer 2

Severe headache, which may be worse in the morning

Temporary or permanent vision loss

Question 3

What are the causes for intracranial hypertension?

Answer 3

Blood clots due to severe head injury or stroke
Brain tumours
Brain infection
Hydrocephalus

Question 4

How would you diagnose intracranial hypertension?

Answer 4

Examination of nerves and reflexes

Assessment of eyes and vision

CT or MRI

Lumbar puncture

Question 5

How would you manage intracranial hypertension?

Answer 5

1. Losing weight
2. Stopping contraceptive medication
3. Diuretics
4. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors to suppress the production of CSF (acetazolamide)

Surgery, if lifestyle changes and medication isn’t enough