Spontaneous intracranial hypotension

Sanjay Cheema1,2, Dwij Mehta1,2, Ayman Qureshi3

  • 1Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.

Practical Neurology
|December 22, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a disabling headache cause. This summary outlines practical diagnosis and treatment strategies for SIH, including leak site identification and targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a significant cause of disabling headaches.
  • Advances in neuroradiology have improved understanding and diagnosis of SIH.
  • A UK multidisciplinary group developed consensus guidelines for SIH management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize a practical approach to diagnosing and treating SIH.
  • To detail clinical and radiological diagnostic methods.
  • To outline interventional and targeted treatment strategies for SIH.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current neuroradiological techniques for SIH diagnosis.
  • Summary of symptomatic and non-targeted interventional treatments.
  • Description of methods for radiological leak site identification.
  • Outline of targeted treatment approaches post-localization.

Main Results:

  • Progress in neuroradiology enhances SIH diagnosis and understanding.
  • Multidisciplinary guidelines offer a structured approach to SIH management.
  • Effective methods exist for both identifying and treating the source of CSF leak.

Conclusions:

  • SIH is a treatable cause of headache with improved diagnostic capabilities.
  • A practical, multidisciplinary approach is key for effective SIH management.
  • Targeted treatment following accurate leak localization offers the best outcomes for SIH patients.

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