Benign Intracranial Hypertension Secondary to Intranasal Corticosteroid Administration

Abstract

Steroids have been used for a wide spectrum of indications in clinical practice. The potential benefits of steroids outweigh the complications in most settings. Steroids have been used over the counter in our country for allergy and arthritis. Here we present a case of a young girl who presented with headache, tinnitus, vomiting, and papilledema, visual field defect in perimetry with elevated IOP, presumed secondary to intranasal steroid use for allergic rhinitis. There are case reports suggesting a causal relationship between steroids and benign intracranial hypertension. Here patient on follow-up had significant improvement on stopping steroid spray. This case report is to highlight the need for awareness of the possibility of benign intracranial hypertension in patients who are on inhalational steroids.