{"id":12555,"date":"2025-09-29T05:12:16","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T05:12:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/?p=12555"},"modified":"2025-10-03T15:06:36","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T15:06:36","slug":"is-your-headache-caused-by-idiopathic-intracranial-hypertension","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/neurology\/is-your-headache-caused-by-idiopathic-intracranial-hypertension\/","title":{"rendered":"Is your headache caused by idiopathic intracranial hypertension?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"toc\">\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong style=\"color: #c01c7b;\">Table of Content<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/neurology\/is-your-headache-caused-by-idiopathic-intracranial-hypertension\/#q1\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><strong><em>What causes a headache and how can you tell?<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/neurology\/is-your-headache-caused-by-idiopathic-intracranial-hypertension\/#q2\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><strong><em>What is idiopathic intracranial hypertension?<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/neurology\/is-your-headache-caused-by-idiopathic-intracranial-hypertension\/#q3\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><strong><em>What causes idiopathic intracranial hypertension?<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/neurology\/is-your-headache-caused-by-idiopathic-intracranial-hypertension\/#q4\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><strong><em>How is idiopathic intracranial hypertension diagnosed?<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/neurology\/is-your-headache-caused-by-idiopathic-intracranial-hypertension\/#q5\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><strong><em>How is idiopathic intracranial hypertension treated?<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/neurology\/is-your-headache-caused-by-idiopathic-intracranial-hypertension\/#q6\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><strong><em>Spinal Fluid Shunt<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/neurology\/is-your-headache-caused-by-idiopathic-intracranial-hypertension\/#q7\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><strong><em>Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/neurology\/is-your-headache-caused-by-idiopathic-intracranial-hypertension\/#q8\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><strong><em>What is the long-term outlook for patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension? <\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>Summary\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"caps\">Headaches occur due to various causes, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/neurology\/take-this-headache-quiz-to-check-whether-your-headache-is-a-migraine\/\">migraines<\/a>, tension, sinus infections, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/emergency-and-critical-care\/signs-of-dehydration\/\">dehydration<\/a>, and eye strain. If a headache doesn\u2019t have a clear cause, it may be idiopathic. For frequent or unusual headaches, medical advice is recommended. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), or pseudotumor cerebri, is a condition marked by increased intracranial pressure without an identifiable cause. This pressure buildup occurs when cerebrospinal fluid accumulates around the brain and spinal cord, leading to headaches, vision issues, nausea, and sometimes memory loss or ringing in the ears. Symptoms resemble those of a brain tumor, and diagnosis involves ruling out other conditions through eye exams, imaging tests, and spinal taps. IIH mainly affects women aged 20-50, especially those who are overweight. Treatment focuses on reducing pressure and symptoms through weight management, medications to lower fluid levels, and, in severe cases, surgical interventions like spinal fluid shunts or optic nerve sheath fenestration. Proper management is essential to prevent vision loss and maintain quality of life. Regular eye exams and maintaining a healthy weight are recommended.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"q1\"><strong>What causes a headache and how can you tell?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>A headache is a pain or discomfort in the head, temples, scalp or neck. Headaches are caused by many different conditions; Let\u2019s take a look at some of the possible causes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Migraines<\/strong> &#8211; Migraines are triggered by hormonal changes, certain foods, stress or lack of sleep. The pain is usually intense and throbbing, often localised to one side of the head. You can tell if your headache is a migraine if it is severe, lasts for hours to days and is accompanied by other symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tension Headaches<\/strong> &#8211; Tension headaches are often caused by stress, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/psychiatry\/what-is-generalized-anxiety-disorder\/\">anxiety<\/a>, muscle tension or bad posture. The pain can feel like a tight band around the head, and is usually mild to moderate. If you\u2019ve been stressed or have a strain in your neck muscles, you probably have a tension headache.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"also-read\">Also Read:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/gastroenterology\/treating-portal-hypertension-tips-dips\/\">Treating Portal Hypertension \u2013 TIPS &amp; DIPS<\/a><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Sinus Headaches<\/strong> &#8211; Sinus headaches are caused by <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/hHLjJV_NxxQ?si=lgAKY8EDcQvZfT5M\">sinus infections<\/a> or sinus inflammation. People with sinus headaches usually experience pain or pressure around the forehead, eyes and nose. If you have a runny nose and congestion accompanying your headache, it might be a sinus headache.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cluster Headaches<\/strong> &#8211; Cluster headaches feel like intense pain behind one of the eyes, accompanied by redness and tears. Cluster headaches typically recur around the same time every day.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dehydration<\/strong> &#8211; Dehydration headaches are caused by a lack of adequate fluids in the body. The symptoms include a throbbing pain in the head, dry mouth, <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/BD0VDqw8mSU?si=7grGL24EqYHtgRUJ\">dizziness<\/a> and fatigue. If you haven\u2019t had any water and are sweating a lot, you may have a dehydration headache.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Eye strain<\/strong> &#8211; Prolonged screen time or reading without adequate light can cause eye strain headaches. They often feel like a dull machine pain that starts behind the eyes. If you\u2019ve been working on the computer or looking at your phone for too long, you may have an eye strain headache.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you have a headache which doesn\u2019t feel like any of the above, you may have an \u201cidiopathic headache\u201d. Idiopathic means the cause is unknown. If you find yourself experiencing headaches often, whatever the cause, please consult a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/doctors\/chennai\/general-medicine\/\"><strong>general physician<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"q2\"><strong>What is Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, also called pseudo tumour cerebri, is a condition that causes headaches, vision problems and nausea. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is caused by an increase in pressure inside the skull, for no apparent reason. The exact reason for the increased pressure is usually unknown, and so the treatment is typically focussed on relieving the pressure. The symptoms of idiopathic intracranial hypertension are very similar to the symptoms caused by a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/neurology\/warning-signs-of-brain-tumour\/\">brain tumour<\/a>.\u00a0 Patients may experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting, mild memory loss and a persistent ringing sensation in the ears. The high intracranial pressure happens when there is too much cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and the spinal cord. This puts pressure on the brain and the optic nerve, resulting in double vision, loss of peripheral vision, temporary blindness and other vision problems. If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/doctors\/chennai\/ophthalmology\/\"><strong>eye<\/strong> <strong>doctor<\/strong><\/a> immediately.<\/p>\n<p>Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is rare. It\u2019s most common in women between the ages of 20 to 50. There is no clarity about what causes the condition. However, if the intracranial hypertension has known causes, it is not idiopathic. Intracranial hypertension caused by a stroke or a traumatic accident it is acute intracranial hypertension. If the intracranial hypertension is caused by a blood clot, brain tumour, or long term health problem, it is known as chronic intracranial hypertension.<\/p>\n<div class=\"also-read\">Also Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/neurology\/all-about-thunderclap-headaches\/\">All about Thunderclap Headaches<\/a><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"q3\"><strong>Am I at risk of developing Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a pretty rare disease. However, it is noteworthy that overweight women between the ages of 20 and 50 appear to be most susceptible to the condition. It is rare in infants, but can occur in children. Before puberty, both small boys and girls are equally susceptible. This indicates to us that the condition may be influenced by hormonal issues. Patients who are taking certain medications like birth control pills, steroids, accutane (cis-retinoic acid), lithium carbide, growth hormone, amiodarone, or nalidixic acid face a higher risk of developing idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Pre-existing conditions such as Down syndrome, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/nephrology\/different-stages-of-chronic-kidney-disease\/\">chronic kidney failure<\/a>, Addisson\u2019s disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, iron deficiency or <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/I6PYuigv13Y?si=nuFiN1OqAVj7vyMZ\">anaemia<\/a>,\u00a0 sarcoidosis (inflammation of the lymphatic system system and associated tissues), or systemic lupus erythematosus also increase the patient\u2019s risk of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"q4\"><strong>How is idiopathic intracranial hypertension diagnosed?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Since the cause of idiopathic intracranial hypertension is unknown, it is diagnosed by the process of elimination. This means that the doctor has to investigate all potential causes of the patient\u2019s headache, and eliminate them all one by one to arrive at this diagnosis.<\/p>\n<p>The diagnosis process usually begins with a patient medical history and a physical exam. The doctor will perform a dilated eye exam and a visual field test, to assess the extent of vision problems. They will also check for swelling of the optic nerve. Imaging test of the brain are then performed to check for structural irregularities like brain tumours, blood clots or aneurysms. This is usually a CT scan or an MRI scan. The doctor will also perform a spinal tap or lumbar puncture. This procedure is done to withdraw a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid from the spine, to check pressure and to test the fluid for abnormalities that could hint at the cause of the headaches.<\/p>\n<div class=\"also-read\">Also Read:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/neurology\/take-this-headache-quiz-to-check-whether-your-headache-is-a-migraine\/\">Take this Headache Quiz to check whether your headache is a migraine.<\/a><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"q5\"><strong>How is idiopathic intracranial hypertension treated?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, there is no clear underlying cause that can be identified. So, treatment for it usually focuses on relieving the symptoms by reducing intracranial pressure. The goal is to reduce the severity of the headaches, and prevent any permanent vision loss. There is a correlation between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/lifestyle\/war-against-obesity\/\">obesity<\/a> and idiopathic intracranial hypertension, so most patients are advised to lose weight and bring it down into a healthy range. Discuss safe, sustainable ways to lose weight with your doctor. Patients may also be prescribed medication like acetazolamide which helps the body make less cerebrospinal fluid. Some patients are also prescribed diuretics that help your body eliminate excess fluids. If these conservative treatments don\u2019t work, the doctor may recommend surgical intervention.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"q6\"><strong>Spinal Fluid Shunt\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>A spinal fluid shunt is a thin tube or catheter that drains the excess cerebrospinal fluid into another body part where it can be re-absorbed, most commonly the abdominal cavity. Spinal shunts are used to treat emergent cases, where the cerebrospinal fluid build up is extreme and the patient faces a high chance of permanent vision loss. The shunt immediately reduces the intracranial pressure and relieves symptoms. The most common spinal shunts to treat idiopathic intracranial hypertension are the ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt and the lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt. The VP shunt drains excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain, whereas the LP shunt drains excess fluid from the base of the spine.<\/p>\n<div class=\"also-read\">Also Read:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/news-events\/september-why-are-young-girls-starting-their-periods-so-early-2021\/\"><u>Pulmonary Hypertension \u2013 Symptoms and Treatment<\/u><\/a><\/div>\n<h3 id=\"q7\"><strong>Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Optic nerve sheath fenestration is a surgical intervention to manage idiopathic intracranial hypertension. This technique is typically only opted for when conservative management options like weight loss and medication have been ineffective. During this procedure, the surgeon creates an opening in the membrane (nerve sheath) that surrounds the optic nerve. This allows excess built-up cerebrospinal fluid to drain from the optic nerve. Vision stabilises after this procedure and abnormalities in vision resolve. Most patients who have this procedure performed, even in just one eye, notice that vision improves in both eyes. However, the surgery is risky and is only performed when other methods have failed.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"q8\"><strong>What is the long-term outlook for patients with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension need to manage the condition well. Untreated, the condition can result in permanent blindness and debilitating symptoms that interfere with the patient\u2019s quality of life. Patients will have to routinely get their vision checked by an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/doctors\/chennai\/ophthalmology\/dr-anil-chandra\/\">ophthalmologist<\/a>, to avoid damage. Maintaining a healthy weight is also key to keeping the condition under control. If you have a pre-existing condition that increases the severity of your idiopathic intracranial hypertension, you can discuss it with your physician.<\/p>\n<p>If you are struggling with persistent headaches, vision problems, or symptoms of intracranial hypertension, timely medical care is essential. At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/\"><strong>Kauvery Hospital<\/strong><\/a>, our specialists provide advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment to help you manage neurological conditions effectively. With branches in <strong>Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy<\/strong>, expert care is always close to you.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Causes of Acute Headaches | Watch the Full Video - https:\/\/youtu.be\/9By15glBpvA\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RtwVsvGGviA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>What are the common causes of headaches?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Headaches can be caused by migraines, tension, sinus infections, dehydration, or eye strain. In some cases, the cause is unknown (idiopathic headaches).<\/p>\n<h3><strong>How can I tell if my headache is serious?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Seek medical help if your headache is frequent, unusually severe, or comes with symptoms like vision changes, nausea, dizziness, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/neurology\/memory-loss-challenges-in-seniors-and-effective-solutions\/\">memory loss<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Can idiopathic intracranial hypertension cause permanent vision loss?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. If untreated, IIH can lead to permanent vision damage or blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>What are the treatment options for idiopathic intracranial hypertension?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Treatment may include weight loss, medications to reduce fluid buildup, or surgical options such as spinal shunts or optic nerve sheath fenestration in severe cases.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Can lifestyle changes help manage idiopathic intracranial hypertension?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular eye exams, and managing underlying health conditions can help control IIH and protect vision.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Vadapalani &amp; Radial Road), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.<\/p>\n<p>Chennai Alwarpet \u2013 044 4000 6000 \u2022 Chennai Vadapalani \u2013 044 4000 6000 \u2022 Chennai Radial Road &#8211; 044 40504050 \u2022 Trichy \u2013 Cantonment \u2013 0431 4077777 \u2022 Trichy \u2013 Heartcity \u2013 0431 4077777 \u2022 Trichy \u2013 Tennur \u2013 0431 4022555 \u2022 Maa Kauvery Trichy \u2013 0431 4077777 \u2022 Kauvery Cancer Institute, Trichy \u2013 0431 4077777 \u2022 Hosur \u2013 04344 272727 \u2022 Salem \u2013 0427 2677777 \u2022 Tirunelveli \u2013 0462 4006000 \u2022 Bengaluru \u2013 080 6801 68011<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Unexplained severe headaches with vision issues? Learn the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatments of idiopathic intracranial hypertension to protect your health.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":12558,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[54],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12555","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-neurology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12555","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12555"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12555\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12590,"href":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12555\/revisions\/12590"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12558"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12555"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12555"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12555"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}