Benign intracranial hypertension is a condition where there is increased pressure within the skull, causing severe headaches, nausea, blurred vision, and ringing in the ears. It is often idiopathic and can be confirmed through brain scans and eye exams. Prescription medication or surgery may be necessary for relief. Obesity, iron deficiency anemia, and hypothyroidism are predictors, as are certain drugs. Treatment can reduce migraine symptoms and limit the production of cerebrospinal fluid. Regular checkups are recommended.
Benign intracranial hypertension is a medical condition that refers to increased pressure within the skull. Symptoms often include severe headaches, nausea, blurred vision, and ringing in the ears. Benign intracranial hypertension is generally considered idiopathic, as it does not appear to be the result of any congenital or environmental cause. A doctor can confirm the presence of high blood pressure and rule out cancerous brain tumors and other conditions through a series of brain scans and eye exams. Prescription migraine medications are often sufficient to provide relief for people with mild to moderate benign intracranial hypertension, although surgery may be necessary for people with severe pain.
The pressure in the skull increases when there is an overabundance of cerebrospinal fluid. In normal amounts, fluid surrounds and protects the brain from injury. Too much fluid causes pressure to build up and can lead to serious discomfort. Medical research has not been able to determine the exact causes of the influxes in the cerebrospinal fluid, although it appears to be linked to a number of different drugs and diseases. Obesity, iron deficiency anemia, and hypothyroidism are predictors of benign intracranial hypertension, as are lithium drugs, birth control pills, and steroids.
Most people with benign intracranial hypertension experience frequent headaches, dizziness, nausea, and hearing problems. The pressure can build up enough to suppress the optic nerve, which can cause eye problems. Individuals may experience blurry or double vision, loss of peripheral vision, or even temporary blindness. A person suffering from migraines and other problems associated with intracranial pressure should contact their primary care physician to receive a correct diagnosis.
A doctor may conduct a physical exam and medical history to look for eye swelling or identifiable causes of headaches. If the doctor suspects benign intracranial hypertension, he will usually refer the patient to a neurologist for a more thorough examination. Specialists can do MRI and computed tomography scans to look for abnormalities such as brain tumors. Occasionally, a patient needs to have a spinal tap done so that doctors can confirm high CSF levels.
Benign intracranial hypertension is often a temporary condition that will resolve on its own over time. Doctors usually attempt to treat the condition, however, in an effort to ease the frequency and intensity of migraines. Neurologists often prescribe oral medications that can reduce migraine symptoms and limit the body’s production of cerebrospinal fluid. If medications are ineffective, invasive surgical procedures to drain excess fluid may provide relief. Patients are typically instructed to schedule regular checkups to make sure symptoms don’t return.
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