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 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.