Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Complicated By Meningitis

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is defined by signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), elevated ICP with normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition, and without another cause of elevated ICP. IIH is increasingly recognized as a cause of spontaneous CSF leak from pressure-induced skull base erosion. Patients may have minimal leak-related symptoms (e.g., rhinorrhea, low-pressure headache, or bacterial meningitis). Diagnosis of IIH typically occurs following surgical leak repair with subsequent elevated ICP and associated symptoms.