More Than Meets The Eye? Redefining Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Abstract

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disease of unknown etiology associated with increased intracranial pressure, predominantly affecting obese females of childbearing age. The history of IIH is quite unique, featuring only limited advancements in evidenced-based treatments, but boasting literally countless changes in nomenclature, proposed etiology, and conceptual approach. Despite its elusive pathogenesis, an evolution of our approach to IIH can be traced sequentially through identifiable periods. Contemporary research suggests that we are approaching a new phase in IIH, redefining it as a global neurologic syndrome with more far-reaching effects than previously realized.

Ophthalmic Complications and Ocular Changes in Pregnancy- A Review

“…Papilledema is typically bilateral but may be unilateral or even absent in some cases [51,52]. Most common symptom of papilledema is transient visual obscuration which is described as the dimming of vision of one or both eye for up to 30 seconds.…”

“…It occurs primarily in obese females of child-bearing age usually in their third decade of life [51,52]. BIH also has the greatest propensity to occur in the first trimester [51].…”

“…Ocular manifestations of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) include obscuration of vision, diplopia, pulsatile tinnitus, scotomata, photopsias, and retrobulbar pain [11,51]. Papilledema is typically bilateral but may be unilateral or even absent in some cases [51,52].…”

“…The increased intracranial pressure most commonly presents with headaches. 92% of patients with BIH present with headaches associated with nausea and vomiting which are worse in the morning and exacerbated by Valsalva maneuver [11,51].…”

“…It is recommended that the patient lose weight after the pregnancy. Major goals of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) treatment include alleviation of symptoms and preservation of visual function [51]. Medical treatment and observation are usually effective [11,51].…”