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Also known as Pseudotumor Cerebi or Benign Intracranial Hypertension, IIH is a disorder related to high pressure in the brain. IT causes signs and symptoms of a brain tumor. The fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and the brain is called Cerebrospinal fluid or CSF. IF too much fluid is made or not enough is re absorbed, the CSF can build up, this can cause symptoms like that of a brain tumor.
IIH is classified into these categories:
Acute: Symptoms happen suddenly, often because of a head injury or stroke
Chronic: Symptoms develop over time. They may be caused by another underling health problem
Idiopathic: The cause isn't known.
Experts have not figured out how IIH occurs. Some medicines have been linked to a higher risk of it. These include common
medicines :
*Birth control
*Certain antibiotics (Minocyclines, Tetracyclines, Doxycyclines, Naldixic Acid and Nitrofurantoin)
*Chemotherapy Drugs
*Steroids
*Some acne medications
Some symptoms of IIH include:
*Changes in eyesight, such as blurry or double vision
* Vision loss, especially in the peripheral vision
*Feeling dizzy and nauseated
* Vomiting
*Neck Stiffness
*Trouble walking
* Frequent headaches, often along with nausea or vomiting
* Persistent ringing in the ears (Tinnitus)
* Forgetfulness
*Depression
These symptoms may look like other health problems. You may find that certain symptoms increase when you're exerting yourself. Exercise tends to raise the pressure in the skull.
People that are at risk for IIH:
*Women of child bearing age (20 - 45)
*People that are over weight
* People who have a Thyroid condition or Chronic Kidney Failure
How doctors determine whether a patient has IIH is by a physical exam and a few other tests including:
* Brain imaging such as MRI or CT scans
* Spinal Tap (Lumbar puncture) to withdraw a sample of fluid from around the spinal for testing pressure
* Exam to test vision and check the back of eye
Treatment can vary based, on what is causing the fluid to build up inside the skull, Treatment options include:
*Losing weight, if needed
*Limiting fluids or salt in the diet
*Surgically putting a special tube (shunt) in the brain to drain fluid ease pressure.
* Having a spinal tap done to remove fluid and reduce pressure
* Taking medicine, such as water pills (Diuretics). These help the body to get rid of extra fluid.
* Having surgery on the optic nerve to ease pressure and save vision
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