Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) was previously known as pseudotumor cerebri or benign intracranial hypertension. Though rare, it is an important cause of vision loss, especially in women of child-bearing age. It presents clinical features consisting of raised intracranial pressure, including papilledema. Neuroimaging reveals no mass lesions, but a lumbar puncture shows high CSF pressure, while normal findings are revealed by CSF studies. IIH is usually managed using conservative treatment, but surgical intervention is needed for threatened vision and severe resistant headaches. In this chapter, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and management principles are summarized. Indications of surgical management along with surgical treatments including optic nerve sheath fenestration, CSF diversion (ventriculoperitoneal shunts and lumboperitoneal shunts), and venous stenting are mentioned in the later part of this chapter.
