Intracranial hypertension
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 checkfunctionslike your muscle strength, reflexes and balance any issuescould be a sign of a problem with your brain or nerves
- an assessment of your eyes and vision
- a computerised tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of your brain
- a lumbar puncture where a needle is inserted into your spineto check for high pressure in the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord
Idiopathic IHmay bediagnosed if you have increased pressure on your brain and no other cause can be found.
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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