Medical Management of idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

IIH is an idiopathic condition in which there is often sustained elevation of intracranial pressure. The effect of this is reflected primarily in papilledema or swelling of the optic nerve heads. Function of the central nervous system (CNS) remains for the most part normal, though diplopia Irom 6th cranial nerve dysfunction and tinnitus, probably Irom increased pressure in the inner ear endolymph, occur frequently enough to count among the defining characteristics of IIH. Infiltrative and space occupying disorders infectious, inflammatory or neoplasticwhich may cause elevation of intracranial pressure are traditionally set aside Irom IIH, so normal CSFcontents, normal neurologic examination apart from the exceptions noted above, and normal neuroimaging (CT or MRI) are all required to sustain the diagnosis.