Is it advisable to do exercise when affected by Intracranial Hypertension? Which activities would you suggest and how intense should they be?

See if it is advisable for people with Intracranial Hypertension to practice sports and which ones are the most recommended if you have Intracranial Hypertension

Is it advisable to do exercise when affected by Intracranial Hypertension?

Intracranial Hypertension, also known as pseudotumor cerebri, is a condition characterized by increased pressure within the skull. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, vision problems, and nausea. When dealing with any medical condition, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting or modifying an exercise routine.

Exercise Benefits for Intracranial Hypertension

Engaging in regular exercise can have numerous benefits for individuals affected by Intracranial Hypertension. Exercise promotes overall health and well-being, improves cardiovascular fitness, and helps manage weight. It can also reduce stress levels and improve mood, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with a chronic condition like Intracranial Hypertension.

Recommended Exercises

When it comes to choosing exercises for individuals with Intracranial Hypertension, it is important to focus on activities that are low-impact and do not significantly increase intracranial pressure. Here are some exercises that may be suitable:

Walking: Walking is a low-impact exercise that can be easily modified to suit individual fitness levels. It helps improve cardiovascular health and can be done outdoors or on a treadmill.

Swimming: Swimming is a great option as it provides a full-body workout without putting stress on the joints. The buoyancy of water also helps reduce the impact on the body.

Cycling: Cycling, whether on a stationary bike or outdoors, is a low-impact exercise that can be easily adjusted to match individual fitness levels. It helps improve cardiovascular fitness and leg strength.

Yoga: Yoga combines gentle movements, stretching, and deep breathing exercises. It can help improve flexibility, balance, and reduce stress levels. However, individuals with Intracranial Hypertension should avoid inverted poses or any positions that increase pressure in the head.

Pilates: Pilates focuses on core strength, flexibility, and body awareness. It can be modified to suit individual needs and is generally low-impact.

Exercise Intensity

The intensity of exercise for individuals with Intracranial Hypertension should be moderate and tailored to their individual capabilities. It is important to listen to the body and avoid pushing beyond comfortable limits. Starting with shorter durations and gradually increasing the intensity and duration of exercise can help prevent overexertion.

Precautions and Considerations

While exercise can be beneficial, it is crucial to take certain precautions when dealing with Intracranial Hypertension:

Consult a healthcare professional: Before starting any exercise program, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on individual circumstances.

Monitor symptoms: Pay attention to any changes in symptoms during or after exercise. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, it is important to seek medical attention.

Avoid activities that increase intracranial pressure: Certain activities, such as heavy weightlifting, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or exercises that involve straining or breath-holding, can increase intracranial pressure and should be avoided.

Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is important for overall health and can help prevent headaches and other symptoms associated with Intracranial Hypertension.

Listen to your body: If exercise causes discomfort or exacerbates symptoms, it is important to modify or stop the activity. Everyone's tolerance and capabilities may vary, so it is essential to listen to the body's signals.

Conclusion

Engaging in regular exercise can have numerous benefits for individuals affected by Intracranial Hypertension. However, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting or modifying an exercise routine. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, and Pilates are generally recommended. The intensity of exercise should be moderate and tailored to individual capabilities. Taking precautions, monitoring symptoms, and listening to the body are essential for a safe and effective exercise routine.

Diseasemaps

Posted Feb 21, 2017 by Kate 1052

Walking, mild cardio

Posted Feb 21, 2017 by Colleen 1000

You do what you and your drs discuss is best for you. Again this disease is very individualized. I can walk and ride a bike but I can't lift any weights.

Posted Feb 21, 2017 by Deirdra 1000

Exercise is recommended for weight loss but is some times hard to achieve when you feel so poor and have a great deal of pain .Light activities like short walks and maybe a exercize bike are helpful to get started. You just have to pace yourself

Posted Feb 21, 2017 by Bloomingbeauti 1102

It is advisable to to as much exercise as is bearable. Often exercise can be difficult as it raises ICP so it is important not to push yourself too hard. Gentle and low impact exercises may be best for sufferers

Posted Feb 21, 2017 by Amy 1495

Exercising can be hard on IIH. I have had days when I am crawling on the ground just to get to the bathroom. That kind of state makes it hard to have any regular workout.

When I can I try to walk, I used to swim but moved and don't have a pool and I try to do tai chi /martial arts when I can.

This with IIH have to find what works for them. It hits people differently. I know some that can go to the gym a couple times a week with IIH. At this time I am unable to.

Posted Feb 22, 2017 by Diane 1053

Yes. Do those activities you used to do unless it gives you discomfort or pain. It is recommended that you be active as much as possible (walking, jogging). If you go to gym, you should consider doing more low intensity exercises. Don't do exercises that would increase pressure on the brain. Do not over-exercise and stop when pain or discomfort are experienced.

Posted Feb 22, 2017 by Alet 1002

Your doctor can best answer which exercises are best for you as each body is different.

But swimming is very good and low impact. Walking, yoga, Zumba....

Posted Feb 22, 2017 by leighrach 750

That's all up to how you feel! Exercise is good for anyone able to do it! Check with your doctor if you are worried though!

Posted Feb 24, 2017 by Maryssa 2100

Regarding the exercise avoid doing extreme exercises which would make you more tired or any positions in which you do your head down (like in yoga)
Because this might increase the fluid in the brain.

Posted May 18, 2017 by Dr.M 701

Walking, jogging, swimming

Posted May 29, 2017 by Pooja A 600

I believe that if you feel you can do physical activity, then do it. But if you are feeling uncomfortable or your symptoms are worsening then don't do it.
Everyone is different in the way that their symptoms affect them and for some people physical activity can be painful and uncomfortable but for others they can be fine.
Do what you feel comfortable doing.

Posted Aug 11, 2017 by hannah.l18 1100

Exercise is good for everyone, of you are.cleared by a Doctor and can tolerate it. Low impact such as swimming, walking, or indoor stationery bicycle would be a.good place to start. Yoga,meditation and stretching exercises which do not require a lot of pressure on the brain, if the person can tolerate the exercise would be good, as well. It really is up to the patient and their Neurologist and care.team.

Posted Aug 12, 2017 by Christy 850

Sure! Exercising is great for everyone, staying active is key for your health. But not all of us are able, so maybe just try to do some streatches or some leg/arm lifts while sitting down.

Posted Aug 13, 2017 by LaurynPatterson 1750

Exercise in moderation. I find my headaches are worse when doing any high impact exercises. Swimming and water aerobics are good. Walking is another good exercise for anyone with Ih. You have to know what your body can handle safely

Posted Aug 15, 2017 by Mommy2Five 1500

Carry on as normal I try to walk every day and not to do anything to strenuous. Whatever you are used to doing carry on

Posted Aug 15, 2017 by Lynne 1600

I would advise anyone with Intracranial Hypertension to exercise but talk with your doctor first to make sure it is safe for you. Do not do anything rigourous enough to damage your shunt if you have one byt other than that anything is acceptable. Yoga really helps me

Posted Aug 18, 2017 by Unique cheatom 2120

Exercise normally makes my headache worse so I try and go at a slower pace

Posted Oct 16, 2017 by Melanie 600

I do but the rule I try to stick to is not to put my head bellow my heart. I find swimming the best thing to do

Posted Oct 17, 2017 by Lucinda Sara (VDubsTDi) 511

I would say yes to exercise light walking exercise bike nothing to stressful as that is another way headaches can be braught on

Posted Oct 18, 2017 by Sara 2000

yes to exercise at what the sufferer can tolderate

Posted Oct 19, 2017 by Julie 2000

no unless you did prior to being dx. no bending over. limit exercise to low impact. like walking , water aerobics .

Posted Oct 28, 2017 by lisa 3365

Exercise should be avoided.

Posted Oct 29, 2017 by So 2000

Personally I do yoga, social ballet, and have an exercise routine at the gym that a trainer devised for me. I’d like to fit in more walking with my dogs too. If it doesn’t hurt me too much, I do it. I modify some yoga poses and work together with my gym trainer to find what is ok for me to do.
This really is an individual condition so you need to consult with your doctors and work out what is good for you. But over all I would say try do do as much physical activity as you can manage whether that’s house work, playing with kids or pets, or more structured classes or training.

Posted Oct 29, 2017 by Annie 200

For most people it is possible to continue with normal physical activity/exercise.
Activities that increase pressure in the head should be avoided, such as g-force activities, bungy-jumping, stretches or activities that have the head inverted for extended periods, etc.
For people with LP shunts, twisting and stretching exercises in the mid section should be avoided.
For individuals taking acetazolamide or other carbon anhydrase inhibitor medications other precautions should be taken with regard to oxygen/carbon dioxide input/output and electrolyte input/output.

Posted Feb 18, 2018 by Kelly 2560

Light exercise if recommend and how much you feel necessary

Posted Feb 18, 2018 by Sarahhxoxx 700

Yes when capable, exercise is always good for losing weight.

Posted Sep 14, 2018 by Michelle 2050

I’m not sure if you are still checking in on this or not, I hope you have since received better information than the answers listed here. I have had IIH for several years now, with papilledema. Mine was not contracted via weight-gain, but via medication. It was advised to me from the very beginning to maintain activity. Best options are light cardio, resistance like yoga, or Pilates, walking, hiking, etc. Jumping into a high Impact strain exercise or weights is not advisable without monitoring. All activity should be run by your dr. But I was told emphatically it is much better to keep movement in my body and stay active. I can vouch for that as before my shunt implant, i spent a lot of time bedridden, my weight went out of control. After surgery and working the exercise back in, my attacks have reduced significantly and my biggest battle is getting around the diplopia.

Posted Sep 3, 2020 by Dani 100

Translated from spanish Improve translation

It is recommended while nothing that requires strength or high impact

Posted Jun 7, 2017 by Lo 2000