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
- hydrocephalus a build-up of fluid around and inside the brain
- blood vessel abnormalitiessuch as an arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous malformation
- a blood clot in one of the veins of the brainknown as a venous sinus thrombosis
Rare causes include a blockage in the circulation of fluid at the bottom of the skull (Chiari malformation) , inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain (vasculitis) and abnormal skull growth in children (craniosynostosis) .
Idiopathic IH
In many cases, the cause of chronic IH is unclear. This is known as idiopathic IH, orsometimes benign IH.
It mainly affects women in their 20s and 30s, andhas beenassociated with:
- being overweight or obese most cases occur in overweight women, although it's not clear why
- hormone problemssuch as Cushing's syndrome , hypoparathyroidism , an underactive thyroid or an overactive thyroid
- certain medicationsincluding some antibiotics , steroid medication and contraceptive pills
- a lack of red blood cells (iron deficiency anaemia) or too many red blood cells (polycythaemia vera)
- chronic kidney disease
- lupus a problem with the immune system
Butthese are only linked with idiopathic IH, they're not necessarily causes. You can find afull list of conditions and medications associated with idiopathic IH (PDF, 21kb) on the IIH UK website.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Find out what intracranial hypertension (IH) is, what the symptoms are, why it happens, and how it's treated.
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
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
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
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
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