About IIH

What is Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension?
Intracranial Hypertension is a neurological problem that occurs when there is too much spinal fluid around the brain. Since the skull is made of bone, the spinal fluid can not swell out and instead pushes on the brain causing many problems for those with the condition.

What is PseudoTumor Cerebri?
PTC is another name for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. Most doctors now consider this name to be outdated and prefer to use IIH as an official moniker for the condition. However, many patients prefer the term Pseudotumor Cerebri because it comes with an easier explanation (you can say your condition is like a brain tumor but it's not a tumor!) It also seems to slide off the tongue a bit easier than it's successor.

What causes IIH?
Doctors do not know what causes most cases of Intracranial Hypertension which is where the word idiopathic comes in. Idiopathic means "of unknown origin".

Symptoms
The symptoms of IIH can be varied, much like the symptoms of a brain tumor can be varied. We believe it depends on how the fluid and pressure are affecting the brain.

The most common symptoms of IIH are:
Headaches - usually a dull pain but can be quite severe
Blurry Vision
Double Vision
Blind Spots
Pulse synchronous tinnitus (whooshing sound in head)
Temporary vision loss

Diagnosis
Papilledema (swollen optic nerves) are usually the first clinical sign of IIH. This can be seen with a simple vision test. Upon finding papilledema, most doctors will recommend pictures of the back of the eyes, MRI to rule out physical brain abnormalities that can cause similar symptoms such as tumors and blood clots. Following an MRI, your doctor will likely order a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to measure the pressure inside your skull.

Diagnosis of IIH usually comes after all other papilledema causes have been ruled out and a lumbar puncture shows elevated pressure.

Treatment
Coming soon!