On February 28th, 2023, Dr. Kyle Fargen discussed Fulminant IIH. As a neurosurgeonMedical doctor who diagnoses and treats surgical issues related to the brain, spine, and nervous system. and neurointerventionalist, he has many years of experience in treating patients with IIH. He is published in many articles regarding the treatment and management of IIH and is author of the book: Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Explained: A Guide for Patients and Families.
Fulminant IIH is when a person with IIH has rapid progression of the disease process. Symptoms suddenly occur and progress rapidly, within days to weeks. Fulminant IIH needs to be treated emergently as permanent vision loss and brain damage can occur if left untreated or not properly treated.
Dr. Srinkath Boddu was the moderator for this discussion and contributed his expertise as a neurosurgeon and neurointerventionalist in treating patients with IIH.
In case you missed it, you can watch the entire video here.
Here is a brief summary of this in-depth 1 hour lecture on Fulminant IIH:
- Patients with fulminant IIH can present with unequal vision loss.
- In cases with Fulminant IIH, strongly consider venous sinus stentingA minimally invasive surgery during which a metallic mesh in the shape of a tube (stent) is placed in the sinus.. This is preferred over placement of a LP or VP shuntA hollow tube that can be surgically placed in the sinus to help drain cerebrospinal fluid..
- If a lumbar punctureA procedure where a needle is placed in the lower part of the spine (the lumbar spine) to access cerebrospinal fluid. is chosen to temporize the symptoms of IIH, care to not remove too much cerebrospinal fluidFluid that is made by specialized cells in the ventricles of the brain. (CSFFluid that is made by specialized cells in the ventricles of the brain.) as this can make venous sinus stenting technically difficult.
- If venous sinus stent placement is decided, consider the pro’s and con’s of dual antiplatelets therapy for the patient.
Thank you Dr. Fargen and Dr. Boddu for your time and expertise. If you would like a patient’s perspective on fulminant IIH, please read our patient story featuring Kavya Poornima Balajepalli.
Our next lecture on March 17th at 11am EST on how Neuro-Ophthalmologists contribute to the diagnosis and management of IIH. Click here to register.
