Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Flashcards
What is the hallmark of idiopathic intracranial hypertension?
Papilledema
What are the risk factors for developing idiopathic intracranial hypertension?
Obesity, drugs (tetracycline, excessive vitamin A, and growth hormone), and systemic diseases (Addison disease, sleep apnea, lupus).
What is idiopathic intracranial hypertension?
It is a condition in which there is increased intracranial pressure for no apparent reason.
What (6) symptoms are commonly seen in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension?
Headache, visual obscurations (brief episodes of blindness), tinnitus, photopsia (seeing light flashes), retrobulbar pain, and diplopia.
What are the five Dandy criteria which must be met in order to make a diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension?
Signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure; no abnormal neuro findings on exam (except for visual field or oculomotor findings); increased ICP with normal CSF analysis; no etiology found on imaging; and no other cause found for increased intracranial pressure.
What is the potential consequence of untreated idiopathic intracranial hypertension?
Vision loss can occur if IIH is left untreated.
How is idiopathic intracranial hypertension treated?
Treatment is aimed at relieving the patient’s symptoms and preventing vision loss. Discontinue offending agents (e.g. Vitamin A) and treat underlying diseases (e.g. Addison disease). IIH is often treated with medications (carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, diuretics, and migraine medications), but sometimes surgery is required (optic nerve fenestration or CSF shunting).
