A Guide to Intracranial Hypertension
There are three main components inside the skull. CSF is one of the three and the other two consist of blood supply (the arteries and veins). There are several important functions to CSF. The brain is cushioned by CSF it carries waste away and provides nutrients to the tissue.
The pressure increases within the skull when the body does not effectively absorb or drain the fluid. IH in adults is generally then pressure reaches 250mmH2O or above.
What are some signs and symptoms of IH?
There are three main symptoms that people usually experience: severe headaches, visual disturbances, and bothersome noise in one or both ears.
Headache is one of the chief complaints of IH suffers. Approximately 90% of IH sufferers report headaches. IH headaches can occur in one or more areas. Some will notice pain behind their eyes while others might have pain in the back of the head.
Visual Disturbances is one of the most serious of the symptoms which can lead to blindness. Some will experience blurred or double vision while others may lose the peripheral vision. These symptoms are common with having a swollen optic nerve (papiledema).
Tinnitus can be an indicator of IH. I would describe it as a buzzing or humming noise heard in one or both of the ears.
How is IH diagnosed?
A lumbar puncture (or spinal tap) is considered standard when it comes to an IH diagnosis. This test measures the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid. Diagnosis is usually confirmed after a spinal tap reveals a high opening CSF pressure anything above 250mm/H2O is considered a high pressure reading in adults.
Published by K.A. Hicks
I work full time as tech support for an University and I write for fun on the side. View profile
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