Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) is a disease of the brain. Benign intracranial hypertension is characterised by increased pressure in the brain without any evidence of any brain pathology by imaging studies. Benign intracranial hypertension is also characterised by normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF – the fluid that surrounds the entire central nervous system, including brain and spinal cord) content. Symptoms of benign intracranial hypertension may include headache, nausea, vomiting, pulsating intracranial noises, singing in the ears, double vision, loss of visual accuracy, and even blindness. It is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 50. BIH affects women 9 times as often as men.
The condition is associated sometimes with the use of tetracycline, nalidixic acid, nitrofurantoin, phenytoin, lithium, and amiodarone, and the overuse of vitamin A.Gender is a major risk factor for BIH. Before puberty, boys and girls are affected equally. Obesity is a risk factor as well, considering that the incidence rises sharply with women 20% or more above their ideal weight. Many treatment is the relief of symptoms of raised intracranial pressure and the prevention of progressive optic nerve damage. Excess cerebrospinal fluid may be removed by repeated spinal taps, shunting or a type of surgery called optic nerve sheath fenestration that allows the excess fluid to escape. Steroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling of brain tissue.
Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) Treatment and Prevention Tips:
1. Weight reduction is very important this condition.
2. Treatment of underlying condition; stopping any causative medication.
3. The intracranial pressure may be controlled by serial lumbar puncture.
4. Pprednisolone to relieve headache and papilloedema.
5. Acetazolamide or other diuretics are effective at lowering the intracranial pressure.
6. Surgical treatment also recommended some cases of BIH.
7. Cerebrospinal fluid reduction medications alos helpful this condition.
