How is Intracranial Hypertension diagnosed?

See how Intracranial Hypertension is diagnosed. Which specialists are essential to meet, what tests are needed and other useful information for the diagnosis of Intracranial Hypertension

Diagnosis of Intracranial Hypertension

Intracranial Hypertension (IH), also known as pseudotumor cerebri, is a condition characterized by increased pressure within the skull. It can lead to various symptoms such as severe headaches, vision problems, and even permanent vision loss if left untreated. Diagnosing IH is crucial to initiate appropriate treatment and prevent potential complications.

Medical History and Physical Examination

The diagnosis of IH typically begins with a comprehensive medical history and physical examination. The healthcare provider will inquire about the patient's symptoms, their duration, and any factors that may exacerbate or alleviate them. They will also assess the patient's overall health and perform a thorough neurological examination to evaluate any signs of increased intracranial pressure.

Visual Field Testing

One of the key diagnostic tests for IH is visual field testing, also known as perimetry. This test measures the patient's peripheral vision and can help identify any visual field defects caused by increased intracranial pressure. During the test, the patient focuses on a central point while indicating when they see objects presented in different areas of their visual field. Any abnormalities in the visual field may indicate IH.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Another important diagnostic tool for IH is optical coherence tomography (OCT). This non-invasive imaging technique uses light waves to capture detailed images of the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. OCT can measure the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer, which is often increased in patients with IH. Therefore, OCT can provide valuable information about the presence and progression of IH.

Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)

A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a procedure in which a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is extracted from the lower back. This fluid is then analyzed to assess its pressure and composition. In patients with IH, the CSF pressure is typically elevated. Additionally, the CSF may show other abnormalities, such as increased protein levels. Lumbar puncture can help confirm the diagnosis of IH and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

Imaging Studies

Imaging studies are often performed to evaluate the brain and rule out other potential causes of increased intracranial pressure. The most commonly used imaging technique is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI can provide detailed images of the brain, allowing healthcare professionals to identify any structural abnormalities or masses that may be contributing to the increased pressure. In some cases, additional imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT) scans may be used.

Other Tests

In certain situations, additional tests may be necessary to aid in the diagnosis of IH. These tests may include blood tests to assess for underlying medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or kidney problems, which can contribute to increased intracranial pressure. Additionally, an ophthalmologist may perform an eye examination to evaluate the optic nerve and assess any signs of swelling or damage.

Conclusion

Diagnosing Intracranial Hypertension requires a comprehensive approach involving medical history, physical examination, visual field testing, optical coherence tomography, lumbar puncture, and imaging studies. These diagnostic tools help healthcare professionals confirm the presence of increased intracranial pressure, rule out other potential causes, and determine the most appropriate treatment plan. If you suspect you may have IH or are experiencing symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Diseasemaps

Posted Feb 21, 2017 by Kate 1052

Lumbar puncture

Posted Feb 21, 2017 by Colleen 1000

My diagnosis was through spinal tap. I never had papilledema , but did have double vision and vision problems. In 2015 I went completely blind and was diagnosed with bilateral optic neuritis, which my neuro opthamologist says was not caused by the IIH but possibly a secondary illness which is yet to be diagnosed

Posted Feb 21, 2017 by Bloomingbeauti 1102

A few different ways are used in diagnosis. One is papilledema in your eyes. Spinal taps are used to measure pressure. MRIs are performed to check on ventricles and see if there are underlying causes. But there's no right or wrong way to necessarily diagnose it's what works in finding what's best for you.

Posted Feb 21, 2017 by Deirdra 1000

Intracranial Hypertension is diagnosed in many different ways. It can be diagnosed through, CT/CAT scans, MRI scans which are more detailed than CT or CAT scans. However, it is usualy diagnosed via an eyetest, looking at the back of the eyes and optic nerves and also by a Lumbar Puncture/Spinal Tap procedure which involves a needle into the spinal cord, where the CFS fluid is and taking a opening pressure reading. The normal reading is 25 at the highest and anything higher indicates IIH or another condition such as meningitis, disorders of the Central Nervous System such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome, multiple sclerosis and also cancer of the brain and spinal cord. These are found via the spinal fluid which is taken out during the procedure and sent off for testing.

Neurology specialists are essential for this condition as IIH is a neurological condition.

Posted Feb 21, 2017 by livvdeluca 350

MRI showing no brain lesions/intracranial masses and a lumbar puncture showing increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Papillodema (swelling of optic nerves) may also be present.

Posted Feb 21, 2017 by Amy 1495

With several different tests, mri, lumbar puncture, and eye exam to see the status of the optic nerve.

Posted Feb 22, 2017 by Kathleen 450

Start with your eye doctor. They will look to see if your optic nerve is swollen. If it is, the best way to diagnosis is to measure the amount of fluid on the brain and that is through a lumbar puncture.

Posted Feb 22, 2017 by Diane 1053

A Neurologist or Neurosurgeon takes into account your symptoms, undertake a physical examination (e.g. establish presence of papilledema), request certain procedures such as MRI scan, lumbar puncture, BÜrr hole.
A Neuro Ophthalmologist would so a visual field test.

Posted Feb 22, 2017 by Alet 1002

It can be dianogsed in a variety of ways. Mine was diagnosed with a eye sight test but IIH is commonly mistaken for Lupus and MS at first.

Posted Feb 22, 2017 by leighrach 750

Processes of elimination of other conditions such as a blood clot, inflammation of the brain lining called meningitis and encephalitis, arterovenous malformations (AVMs), narrowing of blood vessels in the brain or an aneurism by doing the following:
CT scan of your head
MRI of your head
Venogram
Lumbar puncture
Blood tests
Eye exam by a neuro ophthalmologist

Posted Feb 23, 2017 by Rhiannon 450

Neuro-ophthalmologist eye exam, MRI, and spinal tap

Posted Feb 24, 2017 by Maryssa 2100

For me my first sign was blackouts so directly ophthalmologists saw me and I was diagnosed with papillodema (inflammation of optical nerve) with then was referred to neurologist and Lumber puncture was done. And increase in ICP (intracranial pressure was found) also CT was done to rule out any changes in my brain. But nothing was noteducated. All was fine in CT

Posted May 18, 2017 by Dr.M 701

Ophthalmology visit, lumbar puncture, mri

Posted May 29, 2017 by Pooja A 600

MRI, CT , Spinal taps

Posted May 29, 2017 by Talitha 400

To diagnose Intracranial Hypertension, a person will need to under go a Lumbar Puncture to get a reading of the CSF levels in the brain. Before the lumbar puncture is done, a person will either have an MRI or CT scan or both to rule out other brain conditions. Intracranial hypertension can sometimes be found through MRI's and CT scans but to definitely diagnose, a Lumbar puncture is needed.
In my personal experience, i have been told by my Neurologist that an opening pressure of 25 or higher indicates that intracranial hypertension is present. An opening pressure of 20-25 is a grey area and depending on the person, it can mean that intracranial hypertension is present or it can be seen as normal. Anything lower than this is considered normal.
Seeing a Neurologist is essential when being diagnosed with Intracranial Hypertension and if you have been experiencing vision loss, an opthamologist is also essential.

Posted Aug 11, 2017 by hannah.l18 1100

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is diagnosed by an eye exam, MRI, CT scans, MRV, performed by a Neurologist, and Neuro-ophthalmologist

Posted Aug 12, 2017 by Christy 850

A spinal tap is used to diagnose intercranial hypertension.

Posted Aug 13, 2017 by LaurynPatterson 1750

Mainly MRI and lumbar punctures

Posted Aug 15, 2017 by Mommy2Five 1500

By a eye test a mri scan and a lumbar puncture to measure the csf pressure around the brain

Posted Aug 15, 2017 by Lynne 1600

Intracranial Hypertension can be diagnosed by an eye doctor or a neurologist. People who have headaches first are normally diagnosed by a neurologist who can confirm the diagnosis by a spinal tap and or MRI. An eye doctor can do test to see the hypertension and then confirm also by an MRI or Spinal Tap

Posted Aug 18, 2017 by Unique cheatom 2120

CT scan, blood test, eye test and a lumbar puncture

Posted Oct 16, 2017 by Melanie 600

Mine was found in a routine eye test. Then they checked for a brain tumour, nope. Then looked for a bleed on the brain, nope. So last test was a lumber puncher and bingo. Should sit between 5 and 15 but no more than 20. Mine was 36 so that's Intracranial Hypertension.

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

Unless diagnosed with an l.p. and eye check showing paps and a field vision test

Posted Oct 18, 2017 by Sara 2000

lumber puncture to measure icp

Posted Oct 19, 2017 by Julie 2000

The presence of papilledema, lumbar puncture to confirm high pressure.

Posted Oct 20, 2017 by Sarah 500

CT& MRI to rule out tumors, lumbar puncture to look for raised ICP. Vision test for swollen optic nerves,
neuro-op, neurologist , Neurosurgery

Posted Oct 28, 2017 by lisa 3365

Diagnosed by MRI or spinal fluid testing

Posted Oct 29, 2017 by So 2000

Lumbar puncture to check your pressure

Posted Oct 29, 2017 by Dotty 450

If symptoms suggest Intracranial Hypertension, an MRI or CT scan is used to rule out any brain occupying mass or lesion.
A Lumbar Puncture is then required to secure a diagnosis. A diagnosis of intracranial hypertension is given if the opening pressure is above 20-25 (normal range is 10-15). The opening pressure should be measured with the patient in the lateral position for the most accurate reading.

Posted Feb 18, 2018 by Kelly 2560

The only way IIH can be diagnosed is via a L.P.
Once you have been diagnosed you will need to see a Neuro

Posted Feb 18, 2018 by Tiffany-Diane 400

Either with a ct scan or mri and then usually an lumbar puncture to diagnose with csf fluid

Posted Feb 18, 2018 by Sarahhxoxx 700

Lumbar puncture. Although MRI and CT scan are also done. They also check optic discs and eyes.

Posted Jul 12, 2018 by Michelle 2050

Translated from spanish Improve translation

Studies oftamologicos.
Puncion lumbar

Posted Jun 7, 2017 by Lo 2000

Translated from portuguese Improve translation

In my case, I had headache intense with visual changes.
The ophthalmologist has identified papilledema in fundoscopia confirmed with the manimetria and examination of the visual field

Posted Oct 30, 2017 by Valquiria 500