Last Updated on January 17, 2025 by Analgesia team
IIH is the medical abbreviation for idiopathic intracranial hypertension, a rare neurological condition that occurs when too much cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the skull:
- Idiopathic: Means the cause is unknown
- Intracranial: Means in the skull
- Hypertension: Means high pressure
IIH can cause a number of symptoms, including:
- Headaches
- Vision changes, such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision
- Light sensitivity
- A whooshing noise in the ears that matches your pulse
What causes IIH?
The cause is unknown, but some things may contribute, such as:
-
- Steroid withdrawal
- High doses of vitamin A
- Hormonal changes
- Obesity
- Certain medications
How is IIH treated?
- The goal of treatment is to relieve pressure and prevent optic nerve damage
- Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a common medication used to treat Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
- If vision problems persist, surgery may be an option
What complications can IIH cause?
Stroke, Seizures, Optic neuropathy, Loss of vision, Stupor, Coma, and Respiratory arrest.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension was previously known as benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) or pseudotumor cerebri (PTC). The term pseudotumor cerebri, which means “false brain tumor”, is still sometimes used because IIH can cause symptoms similar to a brain tumor.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is most common in middle-aged, obese women, but it can also affect men and children. If you experience vision changes, you should talk to an eye doctor to determine if they are related to IIH or another condition.