Common Misconceptions

With a greater understanding of IIH, tailored treatment options arise. AcetazolamideMedication used to treat glaucoma, epilepsy, altitude sickness, periodic paralysis, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, urine alkalinization, and heart failure. Click the term to read more is a first-line medication that can decrease the amount of cerebrospinal fluidFluid that is made by specialized cells in the ventricles of the brain. Click the term to read more (CSFFluid that is made by specialized cells in the ventricles of the brain. Click the term to read more)) production, thereby decreasing intracranial pressure, but is not a curative therapy. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitorsA medication used to manage and treat glaucoma, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, altitude sickness, congestive heart failure, and epilepsy, among other diseases. Click the term to read more and other classes of medications decrease production of CSF or help eliminate extra fluid from the body in an effort to decrease intracranial pressure. Unfortunately, these medications can only maintain patients in remission of this syndrome. Once a patient is taken off this therapy, symptoms return in most cases. For patients who fail therapy with acetazolamide or who cannot tolerate the medication, other treatment options exist.

Treatment options for IIH include surgery, including the placement of a shuntA hollow tube that can be surgically placed in the sinus to help drain cerebrospinal fluid. Click the term to read more to drain fluids, and venous sinus stentingA minimally invasive surgery during which a metallic mesh in the shape of a tube (stent) is placed in the sinus. Click the term to read more. These interventions each have their own risks and benefits and should be a part of your discussion with your treating physician. 

Although there have been studies showing a link between IIH and contraceptives, there are also studies that find no association. The use of oral contraceptives (OCPs) and intrauterine devices (IUDs) is common in women of childbearing age. This is the same demographic as women who are susceptible to IIH. A recent study had access to 27 years of medical records and information on women who were diagnosed with IIH. After close review of all factors contributing to IIH, compared to control groups, they concluded that there was no association with OCP or IUD use and IIH.¹

Every person with idiopathicThe term idiopathic is used when there is no detectable reason for something. Click the term to read more intracranial hypertension should receive individualized medical care. A specialist will determine if it is safe for one with IIH to take these forms of birth control or use alternative options.