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Behavioral disorders in children with idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Reut Parness-Yossifon1, Dov Margalit, Ayala Pollack

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel.

Journal of Child Neurology
|April 11, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Attention and concentration deficits may signal idiopathic intracranial hypertension in children. Treating this condition can improve behavior and academic performance, potentially negating the need for other therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a neurological condition affecting children.
  • Behavioral and attention issues are sometimes observed in children with IIH.
  • The relationship between IIH and neurodevelopmental aspects requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the link between idiopathic intracranial hypertension and behavioral, attention, and learning abilities in pediatric patients.
  • To assess if attention and concentration deficits can serve as early indicators of IIH in children.
  • To evaluate the impact of IIH diagnosis and treatment on children's behavior and academic functioning.

Main Methods:

  • A questionnaire, based on Conners' test, was administered to parents of school-aged children diagnosed with IIH.
  • Parents reported on their child's behavioral patterns before and after IIH diagnosis and treatment.
  • The study included 10 children with a mean age of 11.5 years at diagnosis and a mean follow-up of 25 months.

Main Results:

  • Prior to IIH diagnosis, 60% of the children exhibited attention and concentration deficit disorders.
  • Following diagnosis and treatment, 83% of patients reported improvements in attention and behavior.
  • Two patients (33%) experienced significant improvements in these areas after treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Attention and concentration deficit disorders may be an early warning sign for pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
  • Diagnosing and treating IIH in children can lead to enhanced behavior, attention, and academic success.
  • Effective management of IIH may reduce the necessity for additional therapeutic interventions for behavioral and attention issues.

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