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Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
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Cognitive function in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a prospective case-control study

Hanne Maria Yri1, Birgitte Fagerlund, Hysse Birgitte Forchhammer

  • 1Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark.

BMJ Open
|April 10, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is linked to significant cognitive deficits, particularly in reaction time and processing speed. These deficits persist even after treatment, suggesting a need for comprehensive multidisciplinary care.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Ophthalmology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a neurological condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure (ICP) without a clear cause.
  • Cognitive dysfunction can significantly impact the quality of life and functional independence of patients with IIH.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the extent and nature of cognitive impairments in patients diagnosed with IIH.
  • To assess cognitive function at diagnosis and after three months of treatment for IIH.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective case-control study was conducted involving 31 patients with IIH and 31 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
  • Cognitive domains including executive function, working memory, visuospatial memory, processing speed, attention, and reaction time were evaluated using a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery.

Main Results:

  • Patients with IIH demonstrated significant cognitive deficits compared to controls in four of six assessed domains (p≤0.02).
  • The most pronounced deficits were observed in reaction time and processing speed.
  • Cognitive dysfunction persisted at the 3-month follow-up despite improvements in ICP and headache.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides evidence that IIH is associated with cognitive dysfunction, which may contribute to functional disability.
  • The findings suggest that a multidisciplinary treatment approach, potentially including neuropsychological rehabilitation, could be beneficial for patients with IIH.
Abstract

Keywords:
case-control studiescognition disorderspseudotumor cerebri

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