Idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Other names	Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH),[1] pseudotumor cerebri (PTC)[2]
For the diagnosis, brain scans (such as MRI) should be done to rule out other potential causes.
Specialty	Neurology
Symptoms	Headache, vision problems, ringing in the ears with the heartbeat[1][2]
Complications	Vision loss[2]
Usual onset	20–50 years old[2]
Risk factors	Hypervitaminosis A, obesity, tetracyclines[1][2]
Diagnostic method	Based on symptoms, lumbar puncture, brain imaging[1][2]
Differential diagnosis	Brain tumor, arachnoiditis, meningitis[3]
Treatment	Healthy diet, salt restriction, exercise, surgery[2]
Medication	Acetazolamide[2]
Prognosis	Variable[2]
Frequency	2 per 100,000 per year[4]

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), previously known as pseudotumor cerebri and benign intracranial hypertension, is a condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure (pressure around the brain) without a detectable cause.^[2] The main symptoms are headache, vision problems, ringing in the ears, and shoulder pain.^[1][2] Complications may include vision loss.^[2]

This condition is idiopathic, meaning there is no known cause. Risk factors include being overweight or a recent increase in weight.^[1] Tetracycline may also trigger the condition.^[2] The diagnosis is based on symptoms and a high opening pressure found during a lumbar puncture with no specific cause found on a brain scan.^[1][2]

Treatment includes a healthy diet, salt restriction, and exercise.^[2] The medication acetazolamide may also be used along with the above measures.^[2] A small percentage of people may require surgery to relieve the pressure.^[2]

About 2 per 100,000 people are newly affected per year.^[4] The condition most commonly affects women aged 20–50.^[2] Women are affected about 20 times more often than men.^[2] The condition was first described in 1897.^[1]