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Idiopathic intracranial hypertension in children: clinical presentations and management

Hisham A Aboul Enein1, Amr F Abo Khair

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria Medical School, Egypt.

Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology
|March 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension can affect children and adults. Early diagnosis and management of this condition are crucial for preserving vision in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is frequently diagnosed in adults, especially obese young women.
  • However, IIH also affects children and adolescents, necessitating specific clinical considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the clinical presentation of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in pediatric patients.
  • To identify differences in signs and symptoms compared to adult patients.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study was conducted from January 2003 to December 2007 at Alexandria Medical School, Egypt.
  • Ten pediatric patients diagnosed with IIH were included.

Main Results:

  • The majority of patients (9 out of 10) were managed with repeated lumbar punctures.
  • One patient required surgical intervention with a theco-peritoneal shunt.

Conclusions:

  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension occurs in children and adults.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are essential for preserving visual acuity in pediatric IIH cases.
Abstract

Keywords:
Idiopathic Benign intracranial hypertensionVision losspapilledema

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