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Paediatric Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension in Wales: A Retrospective Observational Study

Russell Azad Khan1, Huw Strafford1, Beata Fonferko-Shadrach1

  • 1Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.

Journal of Child Neurology
|April 17, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) incidence in children is rising, particularly in girls and older children. Obesity and socioeconomic deprivation are significant risk factors for developing IIH.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a neurological condition affecting children, characterized by increased intracranial pressure without a clear cause.
  • Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors of IIH in pediatric populations is crucial for effective public health strategies and clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and prevalence of pediatric IIH in Wales.
  • To identify risk factors associated with IIH in children, including obesity and socioeconomic status.
  • To assess healthcare utilization among children diagnosed with IIH.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study analyzing data of children aged 1-15 years diagnosed with IIH between 2003 and 2017 in Wales.
  • Statistical analysis to calculate incidence rates and identify risk factors using odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI).
  • Comparison of healthcare utilization (hospital admission rates) between children with and without IIH.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of pediatric IIH in Wales increased from 1.6 to 3.5 per 100,000 children annually between 2003 and 2017.
  • Female gender (63%) and older age (7-15 years, 87%) were common characteristics. Higher odds of IIH were observed in children from deprived areas (OR=1.7) and those who were overweight (OR=5.1) or obese (OR=21).
  • Children with IIH experienced significantly higher hospital admission rates (rate ratio=3.9) compared to their peers without the condition.

Conclusions:

  • The rising incidence of pediatric IIH, coupled with its strong association with obesity and socioeconomic deprivation, highlights a growing public health concern.
  • Increased healthcare utilization in children with IIH underscores the significant burden of this condition on healthcare systems.
  • Findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions addressing obesity and socioeconomic factors to mitigate IIH risk in children.

Keywords:
childrenepidemiologyidiopathic intracranial hypertensionobesitysocio-economic deprivation

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