STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

Research and Reviews: A Journal of Neuroscience

Clinicoradiological Evaluation of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

  1. Praveen Kumar Yadav
  2. Ashwini Kumar Panda

Abstract

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension refers to elevated intracranial pressure when there is no detectable space-occupying lesion. Individuals with idiopathic intracranial hypertension commonly exhibit classic indications of increased intracranial pressure, including headaches, nausea, neck discomfort, double vision, temporary visual obscurity, and swelling of the optic nerve head (papilledema). Typical magnetic resonance imaging findings include empty sella, optic nerve tortuousity, globe flattening, and transverse sinus stenosis. All patients from July 2021 to June 2022 presented to the super speciality neurology clinic with symptoms suggestive of idiopathic intracranial hypertension were included in the present study after consent. Clinical pattern and magnetic resonance imaging brain findings along with other risk factors and comorbidities were studied. A total of 12 patients were studied; out of which all were female. The most common age group studied was 31–34 years (41.6%). The predominant clinical manifestations included headaches and episodes of Transient Visual Obscurations, followed by painless vision loss, alterations in the visual field, and double vision. About seven out of 12 cases presented with headache (58.3%); out of which only three were suffering from migraine. Transient Visual Obscuration was presenting complain of seven patients (58.3%). Painless visual loss was found in three patients (25%), out of which only one case was bilateral (33%). In all cases (100%), magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Transverse Sinus Stenosis and scleral flattening was seen in three cases (25%) and one case (14.2%), respectively. The present study concluded that clinical suspicion followed by magnetic resonance imaging brain is of utmost importance. Swift identification and intervention are crucial in individuals with idiopathic intracranial hypertension to avert enduring vision impairment.

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