From the Guidelines
IIAH stands for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, not Idiopathic Intracranial Arterial Hypertrophy, which is a condition characterized by raised intracranial pressure of unknown aetiology, as defined by the criteria set out in the consensus guidelines on management 1.
Definition and Diagnosis
The definition of IIH is based on the presence of raised intracranial pressure without an identifiable cause, normal cerebrospinal fluid composition, and the absence of hydrocephalus or mass lesion 1.
- The diagnosis of IIH is often made in patients who are female, of childbearing age, and have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2, which is referred to as typical IIH 1.
- Atypical IIH refers to patients who do not fit this demographic profile and may require more in-depth investigation to rule out other underlying causes 1.
Symptoms and Management
Patients with IIH may experience symptoms such as headache, transient visual obscurations, pulsatile tinnitus, and visual blurring, among others 1.
- The management of IIH focuses on treating the underlying disease, protecting vision, and minimizing headache morbidity 1.
- Treatment may involve weight loss, medications to reduce intracranial pressure, and monitoring for complications such as vision loss 1.
Key Considerations
It is essential to note that IIH is a condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term complications, such as vision loss and chronic headache 1.
- Regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare provider are crucial to manage the condition effectively and prevent disease progression 1.
From the Research
Definition of IIAH
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a neurological disorder characterized by increased intracranial pressure without any identifiable cause 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- It is also known as pseudotumor cerebri, and its symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, double vision, and papilledema (swelling of the optic disc) 2, 4
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis of IIH typically involves a lumbar puncture (LP) to measure the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, as well as imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to rule out other causes of increased intracranial pressure 2, 5
- Treatment for IIH usually involves medications such as acetazolamide or topiramate to reduce CSF production and alleviate symptoms 2, 3
- In some cases, surgical interventions such as CSF shunting or venous sinus stenting may be necessary to relieve increased intracranial pressure and prevent vision loss 6
Clinical Characteristics
- IIH typically affects young, obese women, and its clinical characteristics include papilledema, headache, and visual disturbances 4, 5
- The condition can be associated with venous hypertension, and the pressure gradient across the dominant venous sinus has been correlated with the lumbar puncture opening pressure 6