Understanding Intracranial Hypertension

What is Intracranial Hypertension?

Intracranial hypertension (IH) is a condition where pressure inside your skull becomes elevated above normal levels. The normal intracranial pressure (ICP) ranges from 7-15 mmHg in adults when lying down.

Types

• Primary (Idiopathic) Intracranial Hypertension

  • Occurs without a known cause
  • More common in women of childbearing age
  • Often associated with obesity

• Secondary Intracranial Hypertension

  • Results from an identifiable cause
  • May be due to brain tumors, blood clots, or other conditions

Common Symptoms

• Severe headaches
• Vision problems
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Brief episodes of vision loss
  • Difficulty with peripheral vision
• Pulsatile tinnitus (whooshing sound in ears)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Neck and shoulder pain

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider may perform:

1. Neurological examination
2. Eye examination (looking for papilledema)
3. Brain imaging (MRI or CT)
4. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)

Treatment Options

Medications

• Acetazolamide (Diamox)
• Topiramate
• Furosemide

Weight Management

• Weight loss for overweight patients
• Dietary modifications
• Exercise programs

Procedures

• Regular lumbar punctures
• Optic nerve sheath fenestration
• CSF shunting procedures

Prevention and Management

• Maintain healthy weight
• Regular medical follow-up
• Monitor vision changes
• Avoid triggers
• Take medications as prescribed

When to Seek Emergency Care

• Sudden severe headache
• New vision problems
• Loss of consciousness
• Persistent vomiting

Long-term Outlook

With proper treatment and management, many patients can achieve good control of their symptoms. Regular monitoring and adherence to treatment plans are essential for optimal outcomes.