In idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) there is raised pressure within the skull (intracranial pressure), which puts pressure on the brain. Idiopathic means that the cause of this raised pressure is unknown. The main symptoms are headache and loss of sight. Treatment is aimed at preventing permanent visual loss.
IIH is rare. It affects 1 or 2 people in every 100,000. IIH mostly affects women of childbearing age who are overweight or obese. However, men and children can sometimes be affected as well as people who are not overweight.
More than 9 out of 10 people with IIH are obese women, body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, in the reproductive age range. However in someone who is not overweight, there are some ‘risk factors’ that are thought to be associated with the development of IIH. There are many such rare ‘associations’ but some of these include:
The most common symptoms of intracranial hypertension are headaches and visual loss, including blind spots, poor peripheral (side) vision, double vision, and short temporary episodes of blindness. Many patients will experience permanent vision loss. Other common symptoms include pulsatile tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and neck and shoulder pain.
Intracranial hypertension can be either acute or chronic. In chronic IIH, the increased CSF pressure can cause swelling and damage to the optic nerve – a condition called papilledema.
Because the symptoms of IIH can resemble those of a brain tumor, it is sometimes known by the older name pseudotumor cerebri, which means “false brain tumor”.
The main goal when diagnosing IIH is to rule out other causes of raised pressure within the skull. These may include problems such as water on the brain (hydrocephalus) or a brain tumor. Your doctor will usually refer you for imaging studies of your brain, such as an MRI or CT.
You may also have a more detailed eye examination. This will allow an eye specialist to examine the back of your eyes fully. You may have visual field testing to see if there are any signs of loss of vision in part or one or both of your eyes.
You may also have tests on your CSF by doing a lumbar puncture. This will show raised CSF pressure if you have IIH. A lumbar puncture – sometimes called a spinal tap – is a procedure where a sample of CSF is taken for testing.
If you are diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, it is important that your vision be closely monitored to look for any changes or early signs of vision loss. Any signs of deterioration in your vision can mean that your treatment needs to be adjusted.
At IVC, we offer minimally invasive treatment options, venous sinus pressure measurements and stenting. In some people with IIH, the normal absorption of cerebrospinal fluid into the veins of the brain is impaired due to a narrowing of the venous sinuses, passageways that convey blood and CSF from the brain to the jugular veins and eventually to the heart. This narrowing of these passageways overtime can increase pressure inside the skull and cause IIH.
If weight loss and medication have not controlled your IIH, your doctor may recommend a contrast enhanced MR venogram or contrast enhanced CT venogram to see if there is a narrowing in your venous sinuses. If so, the next step is a referral to an interventional neuro-radiologist to see if you might benefit from having a stent placed in the vein to open up the narrowing.
* This information about Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension was reviewed by Dr. Jason R. Bauer. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using the form below.
Dr Jason Bauer performed our 20 year old son’s kidney biopsy last week. I have had a lot of experience with medical care. Dr Bauer has moved to the top five of all doctors we have encountered. He has taught us more about our son’s medical condition than any other doctor has since March 2019! I just kept wanting to ask him more questions 😄. I felt super confident that our son was getting the best care he could when I let him go into the procedure. Dr Bauer’s skill, knowledge and ability to translate it into lay peoples terms far exceeded FIVE STARS and our expectations. He also related to our young adult son well which put him at ease.
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C.P.I am a medical oncologist who has been referring my patients to the physicians at IVC for 8 years now. In my career, I have never worked with a more dedicated, thorough, humane, and technically superb group of physicians. I have received countless words of positive feedback from my patients echoing the above sentiments.
More recently, I have been a patient with Dr. Michael Pfister. Dr. Pfister is an outstanding interventionalist, who brings a warm bedside manner to his interactions. He is the “whole package,” providing both technical savvy as well as kindness. As a patient, I could not ask for more.
I.S.I’ve been a pt of Dr. Pfisters for over 10yrs, during which time he has performed 5+ procedures. As a medical professional myself, I have an exceptionally high expectation of the quality of care I receive, as well…and JUST AS IMPORTANT…the attitude and respect my Dr’s and healthcare team provide! Dr. Pfister and the staff on his team get AA+++ from me!!!!! He is kind, respectful, informative AND an EXCEPTIONALLY skilled interventional radiologist!!! I won’t EVER trust anyone else!!!
P.R.From the time I first spoke to Maryanne who was so kind, and walked thru your doors with friendly smiles to greet me – meeting Patty who was so kind and caring and meeting Dr. Love – great bedside manner and smile and made sure all my questions were answered – and having the port placed with an excellent team – Paul asking me what my hobbies were first thing – I knew I was in the right place! Thank you all, you all are amazing!
AnonymousOne of our best medical experiences during our entire cancer treatment. Thanks so much for everything!
AnonymousThis is for Dr. Pfister. I just wanted to thank him for all the time he spent with us the other week. In all the years I’ve had my vascular problems I’ve never had a doctor really sit down and explain to me the intricacies of what might be going on. I have a lot to think about…but just wanted to say thanks for being so nice and answering our many questions!
L.H.A fantastic group of wonderful people. The procedure was very smooth. When they were putting the port in I felt like I was getting a great massage!! Thank you all!
S.C.Charley was instrumental in getting me scheduled in quickly to get my PICC line removed. She actually worked until late in the day to get the information from my referring doctor’s office. It is nice to know great people like Charley still exist in this world!
K.S.I had my blood clot filter removed on 2/21/18. I was very apprehensive, yet EVERYONE in Dr. Pfister’s office and surgical team helped to make me comfortable. I am extremely claustrophobic so laying down or having something covering my face creates anxiety. Mary Anne listened to my concerns and made sure I was made comfortable and did not feel anxious. The surgical team was amazing, they explained everything thoroughly. Dr. Pfister came in after the procedure to review what he did and discuss any follow up that might be required. I so appreciate the time and attention he gives me as his patient. This was a positive experience.
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AnonymousIf you ever need an Interventional Radiologist for a child I realize it is serious business. I’ve seen Dr. Love go and save a child’s kidney without missing a beat. I could recommend no one better for myself, or for people I love. I think he is a little cool at the bedside, but that’s OK Dr. Love, stay frosty! If you can’t see Dr. Love, one of the other professionals at IVC will be able to help you. Ashley, the dynamite scheduler and one of the other surgeons at IVC will care for you. I’ve had multiple surgeries with this practice over the past several years. Never a hiccup!
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J. J.Dr. Pfister, thanks so much for your excellent care, removing my chemo port earlier this week. With all your experience and your fine touch, I’m confident the scar will be nearly invisible. Your team, from beginning to end, did a super job with me. Please extend my gratitude to Jennifer, Mary Anne, Todd and Charley. I’ve got a whole lot of living left to do. I appreciate all of you helping me do it!
M. F.Dr. Pfister, thank you for all of the attention you gave to me. I learned lots from our discussion – hearing you speak of ultimate healing was enough to encourage me to do all I can to strengthen those muscles.
S. O.The entire office is one of the most professional, helpful and informative medical offices I have dealt with (and I have dealt with many). Kudos to Jennifer, Henry, and Charley!
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MMy brother came into Legacy Meridian Park, had a stroke. Dr. Bauer came in immediately, in his work jeans and shirt. He worked with Neurologist Dr. Burbank, developed a plan and took my brother into a procedure where they removed the clot from his head! Very down to earth doctor, explained procedure to family, worked with sense of urgency.
J. P.I want to comment regarding Dr. Bauer of how he was thorough explaining my CT Biopsy and showing me how on the computer he would get the tissue needed. In all the years of several surgeries I have never felt better going in to have a procedure done. His bedside manner was incredible. I wish all doctors were like Dr. Bauer. Thank you for preparing and relaxing me prior to the biopsy.
R.S. Molalla OREveryone did a superb job taking care of me and doing the procedure. Thank You All
K.S.Dr. Bauer genuinely cares about his patients and strives to make sure they understand every aspect of their treatment.
A.L.Dr. Bauer, our family wants you to know how thankful we are to you for saving G.P.’s life and bringing him back to us in normal health. Thank you over and over you are the best!
Family of G. P.
We are announcing that Interventional and Vascular Consultants will be closing as of March 10, 2023.
We would like to thank you for the trust you have given us over the years, participating in your healthcare needs has been a privilege.
To assist in a smooth transition to a new provider, you may access your records from your MyHealth account or request a copy of medical records by clicking the link below and completing the Release of Information form.
Please know that we have greatly valued our relationship with you and wish you the best.
Sincerely,
Jason Bauer, MD RVT
Michael Pfister, MD RVT
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