Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Here you will get an overview of the pathology, the ability to treat diseases with Oriental medicine, and with acupressure therapies along with other therapies combined.
The information is updated gradually and regularly. For reference only, not a substitute for your doctor.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), also known as Pseudotumor Cerebri, is a rare condition that is characterized by increased pressure inside the skull without an apparent cause. The name “Pseudotumor Cerebri” literally means “false brain tumor” and it is named so because the symptoms and signs of this condition mimic those of a brain tumor.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of IIH is unknown. However, some risk factors have been identified. These include:
Being female: IIH is more common in women, particularly those who are obese and of childbearing age.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor for IIH. The condition is more common in people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
Medications: Certain medications such as tetracycline antibiotics, growth hormones, and corticosteroids can increase the risk of developing IIH.
Medical conditions: IIH is associated with several medical conditions, including sleep apnea, anemia, lupus, and kidney disease.
Symptoms
The symptoms of IIH can vary, but they usually include:
Headaches: The most common symptom is a headache that is often described as a pulsating or throbbing pain that is worse when lying down and improves when sitting up.
Vision problems: Blurred or double vision, loss of peripheral vision, and temporary blindness are all common symptoms of IIH.
Tinnitus: Ringing in the ears is another symptom of IIH.
Neck pain and stiffness: Some people with IIH may experience neck pain and stiffness.
Prevention
There is no sure way to prevent IIH, but maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding medications that can increase the risk of the condition, and managing underlying medical conditions such as sleep apnea, anemia, and kidney disease may help reduce the risk.
Treatment
The treatment of IIH depends on the severity of the condition and the individual’s symptoms. Treatment options may include:
Weight loss: Losing weight may help improve symptoms of IIH in obese individuals.
Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics and corticosteroids, may be prescribed to reduce the amount of fluid in the body and reduce intracranial pressure.
Surgery: If symptoms persist despite weight loss and medication, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the optic nerve.
Possibility of Oriental Medicine
Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure are often used to treat a variety of conditions, but their effectiveness in treating IIH is uncertain. Some studies have suggested that acupuncture and acupressure may help improve symptoms of IIH, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. It is important to note that these alternative therapies should be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment and not as a substitute.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (Pseudotumor Cerebri) is a rare condition that can cause headaches, vision problems, and other symptoms. While the exact cause is unknown, obesity, medications, and certain medical conditions are known risk factors. Treatment options include weight loss, medication, and surgery. While Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure may be used to complement conventional medical treatment, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness in treating IIH. If you are experiencing symptoms of IIH, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
References
Friedman DI, Liu GT, Digre KB. Revised diagnostic criteria for the pseudotumor cerebri syndrome in adults and children. Neurology. 2013 Sep 24;81(13):1159-65. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182a55f17. This article provides updated diagnostic criteria for the pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS) and discusses the evaluation and management of this disorder.
Wall M, McDermott MP, Kieburtz KD, Corbett JJ, Feldon SE, Friedman DI, Katz DM, Keltner JL, Schron EB, Kupersmith MJ, et al. Effect of acetazolamide on visual function in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and mild visual loss: the idiopathic intracranial hypertension treatment trial. JAMA. 2014 Jan 8;311(2):164-71. doi: 10.1001/jama.2013.282735. This article reports the findings of the Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treatment Trial, which investigated the efficacy of acetazolamide in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and mild visual loss.
Bidot S, Bruce BB, Saindane AM, Newman NJ, Biousse V. Asymmetric papilledema in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: prospective interocular comparison of sensory visual function. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2015 Mar;56(3):1549-55. doi: 10.1167/iovs.14-16249. This article investigates the occurrence of asymmetric papilledema in idiopathic intracranial hypertension and its impact on sensory visual function.
Jensen RH, Radojicic A, Yri H, Grande RB. Acupuncture treatment for idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a randomized controlled trial. Cephalalgia. 2018 Jan;38(1):114-124. doi: 10.1177/0333102416650598. This article reports the findings of a randomized controlled trial that investigated the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Lundy C, Sarkhel S. Pseudotumor cerebri syndrome: a comprehensive review. Neurological Sciences. 2019 Nov;40(11):2295-2306. doi: 10.1007/s10072-019-03994-3. This article provides a comprehensive review of the pseudotumor cerebri syndrome, including its clinical features, diagnosis, and management.
Zhang C, Peng J, Li C, Li J, Zhang L, Lu J, Tian J. Acupuncture for idiopathic intracranial hypertension: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2020 Apr 22;10(4):e035774. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035774. This article describes a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Loh NK, Katirji B. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension and its mimics: distinguishing features. Muscle Nerve. 2019 Jul;60(1):4-15. doi: 10.1002/mus.26647. This article discusses the differential diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension and its mimics, including other causes of intracranial hypertension.
Liu R, Zhang X, Wang X, Chen X, Huang Y, Cai Y, Liu J, Liang F. Acupuncture for the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine. 2019 Dec 1;98(48):e18027. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000018027. This article describes a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Wall M. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Neurol Clin. 2010 May;28(2):593-617. doi: 10.1016/j.ncl.2010.01.006. This article provides an overview of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, including its epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and management.
Xia Y, Hu H, Yang Y, Qi W, Chen L, Wang X, Liu L. Acupuncture for idiopathic intracranial hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine. 2020 Sep 4;99(36):e21996. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000021996. This article reports the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.