Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Abstract

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), also known as pseudotumor cerebri, is a condition marked by increased cerebrospinal (CSF) pressure in the absence of secondary causes, such as brain tumors, venous sinus thrombosis, and meningitis. The exact cause of IIH is unknown, but the rise in intracranial pressure (ICP) is a defining characteristic leading to the clinical presentation of headaches, transient visual obscurations, pulsatile tinnitus, and retrobulbar pain. This text aims to discuss IIH and the effectiveness of a multi-disciplinary approach, emphasizing collaboration by neuro-ophthalmology, neurology, neurosurgery, radiology, oculoplastic, and weight loss teams to achieve clinical remission of IIH. Literature was reviewed to discuss aspects of IIH in the pediatric population, and our clinical experience was utilized to provide recommendations regarding the importance of a multi-disciplinary team. This chapter explores IIH in the pediatric population regarding its demographics, clinical manifestations, potential underlying pathophysiology, diagnostic steps, and the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to management, as it is the most optimal. This allows patients to receive comprehensive care that will address more aspects of IIH while also maintaining long-term goals and remission.