Intracranial Hypertension
Treatments forchronic IH
Source: NHS
In this topic (6)
Treatment for IH depends on the underlying cause, if this is known.
The main treatments for idiopathic IH are:
- losing weight if you're overweight this can often help reduce symptoms andmay sometimes relievethem altogether
- stopping any medication that may be causing your symptoms
- medication to remove excess fluid from the body (diuretics)
- medication to reduce the production of cerebrospinal fluidin your brain
- a shortcourse ofsteroid medication to relieve headaches and reduce the risk of vision loss
- regular lumbar punctures to remove excess fluid from your spine and helpreduce thepressure on your brain
Surgery
Surgery maybe considered if other treatments don't help.
The main types of surgeryforchronic IHare:
- shunt surgery a thin, flexible tube is inserted into the fluid-filled space in yourskull or spine to divert excess fluid to another part of your body
- optic nerve sheath fenestration the protective layer surrounding your optic nerve, the nerve connecting the eye to the brain, is opened up to relieve pressure onit and allow fluid to drain away
These procedures can provide relief from your symptoms, butthey also carry arisk of potentially serious complications. Talk to your surgeon about what your operation involves and what the risks are.
Articles for Intracranial Hypertension
Causes of chronic IH
Possible causes of chronic IH include: a blood clot on the surface of the brain known as a chronic subdural haematoma a brain tumour a brain infectionsuch as meningitis or encephalitis hydro
Introduction
Find out what intracranial hypertension (IH) is, what the symptoms are, why it happens, and how it's treated.
Outlook forchronic IH
Chronic IH can be life threatening if it remains undiagnosed and the underlying causes are not treated. You should be referred to a specialist as soon as possible if your doctor suspects it. Idiopath
Symptoms ofchronic IH
Symptoms of chronic IH can include: a constantthrobbing headache this may beworsein the morning, or when coughing or straining; it mayimprove when standing up blurredor double vision temporary
Tests forchronic IH
IH may be suspected if you have symptoms of increased pressure on your brain, such as vision problems and headaches. Several tests may be carried out to diagnose it, such as: an examination to chec
Treatments forchronic IH
Treatment for IH depends on the underlying cause, if this is known. The main treatments for idiopathic IH are: losing weight if you're overweight this can often help reduce symptoms andmay sometim
