DIAGNOSIS
If you have signs of intense pressure on your brain, including eyesight problems or headaches, your doctor may diagnose you with intracranial hypertension (IH).
To diagnose IH, you may undergo a variety of tests, including:
- An examination of your eyes and vision
- A brain CT scan or an MRI scan
- A lumbar puncture involves inserting a needle into your spine to check for constant pressure in the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord.
- A test to assess capabilities such as muscular strength, reflexes, and balance any signs can be a potential problem with your brain or nerve cells.
If you have intense pressure on your brain and cannot identify with other causes, you may be diagnosed with idiopathic IH.
TREATMENT
Internal hypertension (IH) is treated according to the cause if one can be identified.
The following medications are the most widely used for the treatment of idiopathic IH:
- Limiting the amount of fluid or salt consumed in the diet.
- Weight loss, if necessary.
- Having a spinal tap performed to drain fluid and relieve pressure.
- Taking medications, such as diuretics, can assist the body in removing unnecessary excess fluid from the body.
- Getting optic nerve surgery to alleviate pressure and preserve vision.
If IH is left untreated, it can cause long-term problems such as visual impairment. Regular eye exams and checkups are recommended to detect and treat any eye problems early on before they become more severe.
There are also possibilities for illnesses to reappear even after completing treatment. It is critical to have regular checkups to help monitor signs and symptoms and screen for any underlying problems.