Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
08:18
Intracranial Pressure Monitoring In Nontraumatic Intraventricular Hemorrhage Rodent Model
Published on: February 8, 2022
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
1Departments of Neurology and Ophthalmology, Upstate Medical University, 90 Presidential Plaza, Syracuse, NY, 13202, USA, kom@upstate.edu.
Current Treatment Options in Neurology
|November 11, 2010
Summary
Weight loss is a key treatment for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in overweight patients. Acetazolamide may help symptoms, while surgery is reserved for severe vision loss or headache.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by elevated intracranial pressure of unknown cause.
- Weight management is a crucial long-term strategy for overweight or obese patients diagnosed with IIH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline current treatment strategies for idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
- To discuss the role of medical and surgical interventions in managing IIH symptoms and vision loss.
Main Methods:
- Review of established and emerging treatments for IIH.
- Discussion of weight reduction, acetazolamide, and surgical interventions (optic nerve sheath fenestration, CSF diversion).
- Mention of the ongoing Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treatment Trial (IIHTT).
Main Results:
- Weight reduction (5-10%) is recommended for overweight/obese IIH patients.
- Acetazolamide may aid symptom management, though not definitively proven.
- Surgical options are considered for severe vision loss or intractable headaches.
Conclusions:
- Treatment for IIH is often individualized based on patient factors and clinical presentation.
- Further data from the IIHTT will clarify the efficacy of acetazolamide and lifestyle interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Increased 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...
01:29Increased 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...
01:22Cerebral 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...
01:19Cerebral 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...
01:17Hemorrhagic 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...
01:21Cytotoxic Edema: Pathophysiology
Cytotoxic edema is a form of cerebral edema characterized by intracellular swelling of neurons, astrocytes, and other glial cells. It develops when the mechanisms responsible for maintaining ionic gradients across the cell membrane become impaired. Under normal physiological conditions, the sodium–potassium ATPase actively transports sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, preserving osmotic balance and enabling electrical signaling. This pump requires a continuous supply...