Novel Approaches to the Treatment of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

• Published in: Current neurology and neuroscience reports Vol. 24; no. 8; pp. 265 - 272
• Main Author: Subramanian, Prem S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.08.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Diagnostic tests; Edema; Gastrointestinal surgery; Headaches; Hypertension; Intracranial pressure; Medical treatment; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Neurological disorders; Neurology; Neurosciences; Obesity; Ophthalmology; Optic nerve; Patients; Remission; Remission (Medicine); Review; Sinuses; Swelling; Thrombosis; Tinnitus; Topical Collection on Neuro-Ophthalmology; Vision; Weight control; Intracranial Pressure; Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration; Headache; CSF Diversion; Papilledema; Venous Sinus Stenting
• ISSN: 1528-4042; 1534-6293; 1534-6293
• DOI: 10.1007/s11910-024-01347-w

Purpose of Review Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) typically affects women of childbearing age, is associated with recent weight gain, and can result in debilitating headache as well as papilledema that can cause vision loss. There have been advances in the medical and surgical treatment of affected patients with IIH that can improve outcomes and tolerability of therapy. Recent Findings Medical treatment with agents that lower intracranial pressure through pathways other than carbonic anhydrase inhibition are being developed, and medically-directed weight loss as well as bariatric surgery now may be considered as primary therapy. New surgical options including venous sinus stenting have shown efficacy even with cases of severe vision loss. Summary Our treatment options for IIH patients are becoming more diverse, and individualized treatment decisions are now possible to address specific components of the patient’s disease manifestations and to lead to IIH remission.