Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH)

Question 1

In what patients is IIH characteristically seen in?

Answer 1

Young, overweight females

Question 2

Name 2 features of IIH

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Name an aspect of the management

Answer 3

• Weight loss
• Diuretics i.e. acetazolamide or topiramate
• If drugs fail and visual loss worsens, consider surgical options such as optic nerve sheath fenestration or lumbar-peritoneal shunt

Question 4

Name a medication that is a risk factor for IIH

Answer 4

• COCP
• Steroids
• Tetracycline antibiotics
• Retinoids/vit A
• Lithium