Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Idiopathic (id-e-o-PATH-ik) intracranial (in-trah-KRA-ne-al) hypertension (hi-per-TEN-shun), or IIH, is a condition where the pressure inside the skull (head) is higher than normal. It happens without any obvious reason. With IIH, the pressure in the brain may become very high and squeeze the nerves in the brain. The nerve of the eye is the most commonly affected which may lead to blurring or loss of vision. IIH usually occurs in women of childbearing age and whose weight is much heavier than what is recommended by their caregiver.
  
  
• Blurring, loss of vision, or a blind spot in the field of vision, and headache are common symptoms of IIH. You may also hear pulsating (heartbeat-like), whooshing, or roaring in the ears. Other symptoms may include joint pain, neck stiffness, and numbing of the skin. IIH can only be diagnosed once other possible causes of intracranial hypertension have been ruled out. Blood tests, imaging tests of the brain, eye tests, and lumbar puncture may help diagnose IIH. Treatment may include watchful waiting, weight loss, medicines, lumbar punctures, and surgery. With treatment, more serious problems of IIH may be prevented, and you may be able to go back to your usual activities.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Diet:

Eat a variety of healthy foods. You may need to limit fats and salt in your diet. Your caregivers may also want you to limit foods rich in vitamin A and tyramine. Vitamin A and tyramine are believed to have some effect on IIH. Vitamin A rich foods include beef liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and leafy greens. Food and drinks that contain high amounts of tyramine include aged cheese, pepperoni, salami, liverwurst, pickled foods, beer, and wine. Ask your caregiver if you should follow a special diet.

Eye checks:

You should have regular eye exams to check your vision and other eye problems. Depending on your caregiver, eye checks may be done every 10 to 14 days. Ask your caregiver for more information about eye checks.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have new symptoms since the last time you visited your caregiver.
  
  
• Your skin has a rash.
  
  
• Your symptoms prevent you from doing your daily activities.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a sudden neck pain or cannot move your arms or legs.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• You are throwing up and are not able to eat or drink.
  
  
• You had a seizure (convulsion).

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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