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Is "benign intracranial hypertension" really benign?
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|February 1, 1980
Summary
Benign intracranial hypertension may indicate hypothalamic-hypophyseal insufficiency. Patients require thorough endocrinological evaluation due to potential adrenal dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) is a condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure without a clear cause.
- Previous understanding suggested BIH was a benign condition with minimal long-term sequelae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of hypothalamic-hypophyseal insufficiency in patients diagnosed with benign intracranial hypertension.
- To assess the adrenal response to stress in these patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of eight patients diagnosed with benign intracranial hypertension.
- Endocrinological assessment including evaluation of hypothalamic-hypophyseal function and adrenal response to stress.
Main Results:
- Seven out of eight patients (87.5%) exhibited signs of hypothalamic-hypophyseal insufficiency.
- Four of these patients (50%) demonstrated an inadequate adrenal response during stress testing.
Conclusions:
- The syndrome of benign intracranial hypertension is not entirely benign and is associated with significant endocrinological dysfunction.
- Comprehensive endocrinological assessment and long-term follow-up are crucial for patients with benign intracranial hypertension.