Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model
09:14

Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model

Published on: June 18, 2021

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension in men

B B Bruce1, S Kedar, G P Van Stavern

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.

Neurology
|October 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Men with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) face double the risk of severe vision loss compared to women. Differences in symptoms and presentation highlight the need for closer visual monitoring in men with IIH.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition affecting intracranial pressure.
  • While predominantly affecting women, IIH can occur in men, with potentially different clinical characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the clinical characteristics and visual outcomes of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) between men and women in a multicenter study.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records from 721 consecutive patients diagnosed with definite IIH across three university hospitals.
  • Statistical comparisons of demographics, associated factors, and visual function (acuity, visual fields) at presentation and follow-up between male and female patient groups.

Main Results:

  • Men (9%) were older and more likely to have sleep apnea than women (91%).
  • Men reported headache less frequently as an initial symptom and at neuro-ophthalmologic assessment.
  • Men experienced significantly worse visual acuity and visual fields, with a 2.1-fold increased risk of severe visual loss in at least one eye (p=0.002).
  • Sex was identified as an independent risk factor for severe visual loss.

Conclusions:

  • Men with IIH have a significantly higher risk of severe visual loss compared to women.
  • Distinct symptom profiles between sexes may indicate differences in symptom perception or expression.
  • Enhanced visual function monitoring is crucial for men with IIH due to potential underreporting of symptoms.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction01:19

Cerebral Edema l: Introduction

Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...