Idiopathic intracranial hypertension in otolaryngology.

Full Abstract

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is defined as increased intracranial pressure in the absence of intracranial mass or obstructive hydrocephalus. Over 80% of patients are overweight women. IIH is usually encountered in the neurology and ophthalmology practise as headaches, visual disturbance and papilloedema are the characteristic features of this syndrome. Patients with IIH also experience tinnitus, hearing loss, balance disturbance, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorrhoea or rhinorrhoea and in some cases these otorhinological symptoms can be presenting features of this syndrome. IIH is also associated with obstructive sleep apnoea. Otolaryngologists should be familiar with this important condition as it can manifest a variety of symptoms that are more frequently seen in their clinics. Sometimes otolaryngologists may be involved in the surgical management of this condition, such as repair of CSF rhinorrhoea or otorrhoea or endoscopic optic nerve decompression. The aim of this review article is to familiarise the otolaryngologists with the important features of this unusual syndrome which may remain unrecognised in the otolaryngology practice.

Author information

Author/s: Jindal, Mudit (M); Hiam, Lucinda (L); Raman, Ashok (A); Rejali, Darius (D);

Affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Coventry and Warwick Hospital, Coventry, UK. Mjindal(-atsign-)doctors.org.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol), published in Germany. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Jun; vol 266 (issue 6) : pp 803-6

Dates: Created 2009/05/04; Completed 2009/08/05;

PMID: 19352689, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 8/21/2009, IMS Date: )

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