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.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

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.

For more information: Having idiopathic intracranial hypertension may be life-changing for you and your family. Accepting that you have IIH may be hard. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. You may also want to join a support group. Contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  PO Box 11210
  Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
  Phone: 1-913-906-6000
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

• Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation
  6517 Buena Vista Drive
  Vancouver, WA 98661
  Phone: 1-360-693-IHRF (4473)
  Web Address: www.ihrfoundation.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• 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).

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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.

Link to Page

Print Page

Email Page