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

Not exactly because it can cause increased intercranial pressure

2/21/17 by Kate 1052

Walking, mild cardio

2/21/17 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.

2/21/17 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

2/21/17 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

2/21/17 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.

2/22/17 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.

2/22/17 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....

2/22/17 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!

2/24/17 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.

5/18/17 by Dr.M 701

Walking, jogging, swimming

5/29/17 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.

8/11/17 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.

8/12/17 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.

8/13/17 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

8/15/17 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

8/15/17 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

8/18/17 by Unique cheatom 2120

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

10/16/17 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

10/17/17 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

10/18/17 by Sara 2000

yes to exercise at what the sufferer can tolderate

10/19/17 by Julie 2000

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

10/28/17 by lisa 3365

Exercise should be avoided.

10/29/17 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.

10/29/17 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.

2/18/18 by Kelly 2560

Light exercise if recommend and how much you feel necessary

2/18/18 by Sarahhxoxx 700

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

9/14/18 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.

9/3/20 by Dani 100

Translated from spanish Improve translation

It is recommended while nothing that requires strength or high impact

6/7/17 by Lo. Translated