Brain and Nervous System HealthWhat is Benign Intracranial Hypertension?

What is Benign Intracranial Hypertension?

Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH), also known as pseudotumor cerebri or idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is a condition characterized by increased pressure inside the brain. The term “benign” indicates that BIH generally does not lead to permanent brain damage or death, but it can cause severe symptoms.

What are the Causes of Benign Intracranial Hypertension?

The main feature of BIH is an increase in intracranial pressure. The exact cause of this increase is unknown, but it can occur due to a combination of the following factors:

Problems with Production or Drainage of Cerebrospinal Fluid: An obstruction or drainage problems in the cerebrospinal fluid circulation can lead to accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid and increased intracranial pressure.

Excessive Cerebrospinal Fluid Production: Conditions that produce more cerebrospinal fluid than normal can contribute to BIH.

Problems with Cerebrospinal Fluid Reabsorption: There may be an issue with the normal reabsorption of cerebrospinal fluid. In this case, cerebrospinal fluid can accumulate in the brain and increase pressure.

Hormonal Changes: The effect of hormonal changes can be associated with the development of BIH, especially in situations such as pregnancy, use of birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy.

Obesity: Obesity can cause an increase in pressure within the body, along with an increase in adipose tissue, which can contribute to increased intracranial pressure.

What are the Symptoms of Benign Intracranial Hypertension?

The symptoms of BIH can include:

  • headache
  • vision problems
  • hearing loss
  • nausea and vomiting
  • neurological symptoms

How is Benign Intracranial Hypertension Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of benign intracranial hypertension usually begins with the presence of suspicious symptoms and may include the following steps:

Patient History: A detailed patient history is taken, including the symptoms, onset of symptoms, frequency, severity, and their association with other symptoms.

Physical Examination: A doctor conducts a physical examination of the patient. Eye examination is particularly important because BIH can cause increased pressure in the optic nerve, leading to visual changes.

Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography are used to visualize the structure of the brain in detail.

Lumbar Puncture: Lumbar puncture involves the collection of a sample of cerebrospinal fluid by placing a needle into the spinal canal.

Examination of the Back of the Eye: An eye doctor can determine swelling in the optic nerve or other changes by examining the back of the retina.

How is Benign Intracranial Hypertension Treated?

The treatment of benign intracranial hypertension focuses on controlling symptoms and reducing intracranial pressure. Treatment approaches may include:

Medication: Medications such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors like acetazolamide, which increase carbon dioxide metabolism, corticosteroids, and diuretics may be used.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Diet modifications such as limiting salt intake and increasing fluid consumption can lower intracranial pressure.

Lumbar Puncture: Lumbar puncture can be used to rapidly reduce intracranial pressure and alleviate symptoms. During this procedure, cerebrospinal fluid is removed from the spinal canal, reducing pressure.

Optic Nerve Decompression Surgery: In some cases, optic nerve decompression surgery may be considered to reduce optic nerve pressure and prevent vision loss.

Vision Monitoring and Treatment: Patients experiencing vision loss may receive steroids or other treatments to reduce optic nerve pressure and slow down vision loss.

How Should Benign Intracranial Hypertension be Managed?

The management of benign intracranial hypertension requires a comprehensive approach to control symptoms, regulate intracranial pressure, and prevent potential complications:

Regular Monitoring and Follow-up: During monitoring, symptoms, neurological examination findings, visual acuity, optic nerve condition, and other signs are evaluated.

Medication: Medications such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are often used in the treatment of BIH. Regular monitoring of the effectiveness and side effects of treatment is important.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Diet modifications such as limiting salt intake, increasing fluid consumption, and reducing caffeine intake may be implemented.

Lumbar Puncture: This procedure involves removing a portion of cerebrospinal fluid, which can help rapidly alleviate symptoms.

Surgical Treatment: In some cases, if BIH symptoms do not respond to medication or other treatments are inadequate in controlling symptoms, surgical options may be considered.

Vision Monitoring and Treatment: BIH can cause vision loss, so regular monitoring and evaluation of visual function are important.

The post Benign Intracranial Hypertension Nedir? first appeared on Probiyotix.

Exclusive content

Latest article

More article