Intracranial Hypertension

What is the history of Intracranial Hypertension?

When was Intracranial Hypertension discovered? What is the story of this discovery? Was it coincidence or not?

Intracranial hypertension, also known as pseudotumor cerebri, is a medical condition characterized by increased pressure within the skull. This condition can lead to various symptoms such as severe headaches, vision problems, and even permanent vision loss if left untreated. The history of intracranial hypertension dates back several centuries, with significant advancements in understanding and managing the condition.

The earliest recorded cases resembling intracranial hypertension can be traced back to ancient Egypt. The Edwin Smith Papyrus, an ancient medical text dating back to around 1700 BCE, describes symptoms similar to those seen in intracranial hypertension. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the condition began to be more widely recognized and studied.

In 1897, Heinrich Quincke, a German physician, first described a condition called "serous meningitis" which exhibited symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. This condition was later recognized as a form of intracranial hypertension. Over the next few decades, further research and clinical observations helped to refine the understanding of the condition.

One significant milestone in the history of intracranial hypertension occurred in the 1940s when the term "pseudotumor cerebri" was coined by Harvey Cushing, an American neurosurgeon. Cushing used this term to describe cases where patients exhibited symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, but no tumor or other obvious cause could be identified.

Advancements in medical imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in the latter half of the 20th century greatly aided in the diagnosis and management of intracranial hypertension. These imaging techniques allowed for the visualization of the brain and its structures, helping to identify potential causes of increased intracranial pressure.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, further research shed light on the underlying mechanisms and risk factors associated with intracranial hypertension. It was discovered that certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics and certain hormonal treatments, could increase the risk of developing the condition. Additionally, obesity was identified as a significant risk factor, particularly in young women.

Today, the diagnosis and management of intracranial hypertension have significantly improved. The condition is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and measurement of cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Treatment options include medications to reduce intracranial pressure, lifestyle modifications, and in some cases, surgical interventions.

In conclusion, intracranial hypertension has a long history that spans several centuries. From its early recognition in ancient Egypt to the advancements in diagnosis and treatment in modern times, the understanding of this condition has come a long way. Ongoing research continues to improve our knowledge of intracranial hypertension, leading to better outcomes for those affected by this condition.

by Diseasemaps

It used to be called pseudotumor cerebi

8/15/17 by Mommy2Five 1500

The history is not known for this condition for years it couldnt be pinpointed or tested for and it is so rare that there is not a lot of information on it

8/18/17 by Unique cheatom 2120

At the moment no but It would be interesting to lurn

10/18/17 by Sara 2000

he first report of IIH was by the German physician Heinrich Quincke, who described it in 1893 under the name serous meningitis[16] The term "pseudotumor cerebri" was introduced in 1904 by his compatriot Max Nonne.[17] Numerous other cases appeared in the literature subsequently; in many cases, the raised intracranial pressure may actually have resulted from underlying conditions.[18] For instance, the otitic hydrocephalus reported by London neurologist Sir Charles Symonds may have resulted from venous sinus thrombosis caused by middle ear infection.[18][19] Diagnostic criteria for IIH were developed in 1937 by the Baltimore neurosurgeon Walter Dandy; Dandy also introduced subtemporal decompressive surgery in the treatment of the condition.[10][18] The terms "benign" and "pseudotumor" derive from the fact that increased intracranial pressure may be associated with brain tumors. Those patients in whom no tumour was found were therefore diagnosed with "pseudotumor cerebri" (a disease mimicking a brain tumor). The disease was renamed benign intracranial hypertension in 1955 to distinguish it from intracranial hypertension due to life-threatening diseases (such as cancer);[20] however, this was also felt to be misleading because any disease that can blind someone should not be thought of as benign, and the name was therefore revised in 1989 to "idiopathic (of no identifiable cause) intracranial hypertension".[21][22] Shunt surgery was introduced in 1949; initially, ventriculoperitoneal shunts were used. In 1971, good results were reported with lumboperitoneal shunting. Negative reports on shunting in the 1980s led to a brief period (1988–1993) during which optic nerve fenestration (which had initially been described in an unrelated condition in 1871) was more popular. Since then, shunting is recommended predominantly, with occasional exceptions.[1

10/19/17 by Julie 2000

first report of IIH was by the German physician Heinrich Quincke, who described it in 1893 under the name serous meningitis[16] The term "pseudotumor cerebri" was introduced in 1904 by his compatriot Max Nonne.[17] Numerous other cases appeared in the literature subsequently; in many cases, the raised intracranial pressure may actually have resulted from underlying conditions.[18] For instance, the otitic hydrocephalus reported by London neurologist Sir Charles Symonds may have resulted from venous sinus thrombosis caused by middle ear infection.[18][19] Diagnostic criteria for IIH were developed in 1937 by the Baltimore neurosurgeon Walter Dandy; Dandy also introduced subtemporal decompressive surgery in the treatment of the condition.[10][18] The terms "benign" and "pseudotumor" derive from the fact that increased intracranial pressure may be associated with brain tumors. Those patients in whom no tumor was found were therefore diagnosed with "pseudotumor cerebri" (a disease mimicking a brain tumor). The disease was renamed benign intracranial hypertension in 1955 to distinguish it from intracranial hypertension due to life-threatening diseases (such as cancer);[20] however, this was also felt to be misleading because any disease that can blind someone should not be thought of as benign, and the name was therefore revised in 1989 to "idiopathic (of no identifiable cause) intracranial hypertension".[21][22] Shunt surgery was introduced in 1949; initially, ventriculoperitoneal shunts were used. In 1971, good results were reported with lumboperitoneal shunting. Negative reports on shunting in the 1980s led to a brief period (1988–1993) during which optic nerve fenestration (which had initially been described in an unrelated condition in 1871) was more popular. Since then, shunting is recommended predominantly, with occasional exceptions.

10/28/17 by lisa 3365

It was studied by neurologists in connection to seizures.

10/29/17 by So 2000

The first report of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) was by Henrich Quinche in 1893, who called it serious meningitis. Throughout history it has had many names. Before we had antibiotic therapy, middle ear infections occasionally would trigger intracranial inflammation and the disease was called Otitic Hydrocephalus. The term "pseudotumor cerebri" was introduced in 1904 by Quinche's compatriot Max Nonne. The term "pseudotumor" come from the fact that increased intracranial pressure may be associated with brain tumors, however as no tumour was found patients were therefore diagnosed with "pseudotumor cerebri" (a disease mimicking a brain tumor). In 1931 Symonds was the first to suggest that it was caused by dural sinus obstruction. Diagnostic criteria for IIH were developed in 1937 by the Baltimore neurosurgeon Walter Dandy; Dandy also introduced subtemporal decompressive surgery in the treatment of the condition. The disease was renamed benign intracranial hypertension in 1955 to distinguish it from intracranial hypertension due to life-threatening diseases (such as cancer); however, this was also felt to be misleading because any disease that can blind someone should not be thought of as benign, and the name was therefore revised in 1989 to "idiopathic (of no identifiable cause) intracranial hypertension".

2/18/18 by Kelly 2560

Translated from spanish Improve translation

The syndrome of intracranial hypertension is an increase in the pressure in the pressure hidrostatica of the interior of the cranial cavity

6/7/17 by Lo. Translated

Top questions

What is the life expectancy of someone with Intracranial Hypertension?

Celebrities with Intracranial Hypertension

Is Intracranial Hypertension hereditary?

Is Intracranial Hypertension contagious?

Is there any natural treatment for Intracranial Hypertension?

View more questions of Intracranial Hypertension

World map of Intracranial Hypertension

Find people with Intracranial Hypertension through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the Intracranial Hypertension community.

There are 2401 people in the map. View Map of Intracranial Hypertension