Risperidone Induced Benign Intracranial Hypertension Leading to Visual Loss

Abstract

Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) is a rare but potentially serious condition causing visual loss. Occasionally, medication use has been associated with the occurrence of BIH. We report the case of a 40-year-old obese lady being treated with risperidone for schizophrenia who presented with features of BIH. We report this case, occurring for the 1st time in India, to emphasize that a commonly used atypical antipsychotic drug can rarely cause BIH leading to visual loss.

Risperidone and Intracranial Hypertension: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…Risperidone was discontinued, and aripiprazole 5 mg daily was initiated. [1][2][3] Acetazolamide 500 mg, twice daily, was prescribed to decrease cerebrospinal liquid secretion. No other changes in treatment were made.…”

“…4 To our knowledge, 5 cases have been described in the literature that report a link between risperidone and IH ( Table 1). [1][2][3]5,6 In 4 of 5 cases, the IH may have been induced by a significant weight gain after risperidone. But in 1 pediatric case, the IH was not consecutive to a weight gain.…”