What is another name for idiopathic intracranial hypertension?

Another Name for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Pseudotumor cerebri is another name for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). 1

Terminology and Synonyms

• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and pseudotumor cerebri are interchangeable terms referring to the same clinical condition 1
• The condition is also sometimes referred to as pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS) 1, 2
• Primary PTCS is specifically known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension 1

Clinical Definition and Characteristics

• IIH/pseudotumor cerebri is defined as elevated intracranial pressure in the absence of a structural lesion or cerebrospinal fluid abnormality 2, 3
• The condition is characterized by:
  • Headaches (often daily) 3
  • Visual disturbances including papilledema 1
  • Pulse-synchronous tinnitus 3
  • Transient visual obscurations 3
  • Possible sixth nerve palsy causing diplopia 3

Patient Demographics

• Most commonly affects overweight females of childbearing age 1, 4
• Can also occur in obese males and prepubertal thin girls and boys 1
• The incidence is rising in parallel with the obesity epidemic 1

Diagnostic Criteria

• Normal neuroimaging (absence of mass, hydrocephalus, or abnormal meningeal enhancement) 4
• Normal cerebrospinal fluid composition 4
• Elevated lumbar puncture opening pressure (>280 mm CSF in children or >250 mm CSF in non-sedated, non-obese children) 1
• Papilledema is typically present but not always required for diagnosis 4

Imaging Findings

• MRI may show secondary signs of increased intracranial pressure:
  • Empty sella 1
  • Dilated optic sheaths 1
  • Tortuous or enhancing optic nerves 1
  • Flattening of the posterior aspects of the globes 1
  • Transverse sinus stenosis 1

Etiology and Pathophysiology

• The exact etiology remains unclear 1, 5
• Proposed mechanisms include:
  • Impaired cerebrospinal fluid homeostasis 1
  • Altered venous hemodynamics 1
  • Reduced cerebral drainage through the internal jugular vein 1
  • Increased intracranial CSF volume accumulating in the subarachnoid space 1
  • Possible involvement of the glymphatic system 5

Secondary Forms

• Secondary PTCS can result from:
  • Cerebral venous abnormalities such as thrombosis 1
  • Medications (vitamin A, retinoids, steroids, etc.) 1, 3
  • Endocrine disorders 1

Understanding the synonymous nature of these terms is important for proper literature review and clinical communication when managing patients with this condition.