Intracranial Hypertension

Key Points

Overview

Intracranial hypertension (IH) refers to increased pressure around the brain. This can occur suddenly due to severe head injury, stroke, or a ruptured brain aneurysm. Other causes include conditions affecting the brain like abscesses, tumors, meningitis, or encephalitis, and complications from conditions such as high blood pressure. When there's no clear reason for the pressure build-up, it's called idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). This condition is the focus of this information. Treatment for IH depends on its underlying cause, but for IIH, management often involves lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes surgery.

Signs and Symptoms

• Constant throbbing headache, worse in morning or when coughing
• Temporary vision loss or 'greyed out' vision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling sleepy or irritable
• Sensitivity to bright lights (photophobia)
• Pulsing rhythmic noise in ears (pulsatile tinnitus)
• Problems with coordination and balance
• Mental confusion
• Loss of feeling or weakness

Things That Increase the Risk

• Being a woman in your 20s or 30s
• Weight gain or being overweight
• Certain hormone conditions (e.g., hypoparathyroidism, Addison's disease)
• Taking specific medicines (e.g., some antibiotics, lithium, thyroid medicines)
• High levels of vitamin A
• Lack of red blood cells (iron deficiency anemia)
• Lupus (an immune system problem)

Diagnosis

• GP suspects based on vision problems and headaches
• Referral to a hospital specialist
• Examination of muscle strength, reflexes, and balance
• Assessment of eyes and vision
• CT scan or MRI scan of the brain
• Lumbar puncture to check fluid pressure around brain and spinal cord

Treatment & Management

• Weight loss if overweight
• Stopping any medicine causing symptoms
• Diuretic medication to remove excess fluid
• Medicine to reduce brain fluid production
• Short course of steroid medicine for headaches and vision
• Shunt surgery to divert excess fluid
• Optic nerve sheath fenestration surgery to relieve nerve pressure

Prevention

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Monitor vision changes and report them promptly
• Discuss medication side effects with your doctor
• Regular medical check-ups for risk factors

Related Diseases

• Brain Tumor
• Meningitis
• Encephalitis
• Stroke
• Brain Aneurysm
• Lupus

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Intracranial Hypertension:

Surgical Options

Learn about surgical procedures available for Intracranial Hypertension: