Idiopathic intracranial hypertension with multiple cranial nerve palsies in 10 years old thin Sudanese boy: case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a rare neurological disorder of unknown etiology. It is characterized by symptoms and signs of raise intra cranial pressure, normal brain neuroimaging, and high opening pressure ≥ 280 cm H2O in the presence of normal cerebro spinal fluid constituents. Case presentation Ten years old thin boy presented with severe throbbing headache, vomiting, and visual obscurations for a duration of 10 days. Physical examination revealed body mass index of 14.8, VI and VII cranial nerve palsies. Fudoscopy showed grade 4 papilledema; brain CT and MRI were normal. Lumbar puncture revealed pressure of 300 cm H2O with normal CSF constituents. He was treated with acetazolamide, methylprednisolone, and paracetamol. Conclusion Pediatricians need to be more aware of idiopathic intracranial hypertension as it can lead to permanent vision loss.