Description Elevation of the ce...
Description
Elevation of the cerebrospinal fluid pressure within the brain. It is also called benign intracranial hypertension. Typically the cause is never found. The disorder can put pressure on the optic nerve and cause visual problems as well as headache and vomiting. Young obese women appear to have a greater risk of developing this disorder.
Symptoms
Headache, dizziness, nausea, double vision (diplopia), blurred vision. The symptoms may get worse during physical activity.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The examination may reveal swelling of the optic nerve in the eye (papilledema). A head CT scan or MRI is usually performed. The diagnosis is confirmed by doing a lumbar puncture and measuring the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: Lumbar puncture
Specialists:
Neurology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The examination may reveal swelling of the optic nerve in the eye (papilledema). A head CT scan or MRI is usually performed. The diagnosis is confirmed by doing a lumbar puncture and measuring the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: Lumbar puncture
Specialists:
Neurology
Treatment
The goal of therapy is to reduce the pressure in the brain and save the eyesight. Close monitoring of the eyes will be necessary. Treatment includes: periodic lumbar punctures (spinal taps) to relieve pressure within the brain, fluid and salt restriction, corticosteroids, acetazolamide, furosemide, and/or surgery. Surgery consists of a cerebrospinal fluid shunting procedures to relieve the pressure.