A study on idiopathic intracranial hypertension

ABSTRACT

Background: IIH is defined as an elevated intracranial pressure but no clinical, laboratory or radiological evidence of hydrocephalus, infection, tumor or vascular abnormality. Aim: To study the clinical and radiological profile of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH). Materials and methods: Total 31 IIH cases were studied. Patients were subjected to Fundoscopy, CT/MRI brain and CSF analysis. Results: Females were predominant and Headache was the most common presenting symptom. All patients had papilledema. Mean CSF pressure was 318.1 mm of H2O. MRI findings included prominent subarachnoid space, vertical tortuosity of optic nerves, flattening of posterior sclera. Conclusion: IIH predominantly affects women with headache being the most common symptom. Medical management and Life style medication is mostly useful. Surgical management is imperative in patients with impending vision loss.