Intracranial Hypertension

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Key Points

Pressure build-up around the brain
Can be sudden or develop over time
Idiopathic form has no known cause
Often affects young women, linked to weight

Overview

Intracranial hypertension (IH) refers to increased pressure around the brain. This can occur suddenly due to severe head injury, stroke, or a ruptured brain aneurysm. Other causes include conditions affecting the brain like abscesses, tumors, meningitis, or encephalitis, and complications from conditions such as high blood pressure. When there's no clear reason for the pressure build-up, it's called idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). This condition is the focus of this information. Treatment for IH depends on its underlying cause, but for IIH, management often involves lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes surgery.

Signs and Symptoms

Constant throbbing headache, worse in morning or when coughing
Temporary vision loss or 'greyed out' vision
Nausea and vomiting
Feeling sleepy or irritable
Sensitivity to bright lights (photophobia)
Pulsing rhythmic noise in ears (pulsatile tinnitus)
Problems with coordination and balance
Mental confusion
Loss of feeling or weakness

Things That Increase the Risk

Being a woman in your 20s or 30s
Weight gain or being overweight
Certain hormone conditions (e.g., hypoparathyroidism, Addison's disease)
Taking specific medicines (e.g., some antibiotics, lithium, thyroid medicines)
High levels of vitamin A
Lack of red blood cells (iron deficiency anemia)
Lupus (an immune system problem)

Diagnosis

GP suspects based on vision problems and headaches
Referral to a hospital specialist
Examination of muscle strength, reflexes, and balance
Assessment of eyes and vision
CT scan or MRI scan of the brain
Lumbar puncture to check fluid pressure around brain and spinal cord

Treatment & Management

Weight loss if overweight
Stopping any medicine causing symptoms
Diuretic medication to remove excess fluid
Medicine to reduce brain fluid production
Short course of steroid medicine for headaches and vision
Shunt surgery to divert excess fluid
Optic nerve sheath fenestration surgery to relieve nerve pressure

Prevention

Maintain a healthy weight
Monitor vision changes and report them promptly
Discuss medication side effects with your doctor
Regular medical check-ups for risk factors

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Intracranial Hypertension: