---
title: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
description: "Idiopathic intracranial hypertension IIH is raised intracranial pressure without a mass lesion or infection. It can cause papilloedema and permanent visual loss if untreated. ## Symptoms and risk factors IIH classically affects young overweight women but can occur in others.…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/conditions-diseases/idiopathic-intracranial-hypertension/"
updated: "2025-12-16"
category: "Conditions & Diseases"
---

# Idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension IIH is raised intracranial pressure without a mass lesion or infection. It can cause papilloedema and permanent visual loss if untreated.

## Symptoms and risk factors

IIH classically affects young overweight women but can occur in others.

- Headache, pulsatile tinnitus, and transient visual obscurations
- Blurred vision and enlarged blind spot from swollen optic discs
- Occasional horizontal double vision from sixth nerve palsy
- Normal brain imaging aside from signs of raised pressure, with high opening pressure on lumbar puncture

## Management

Goals are to relieve pressure and protect vision.

- Weight loss and acetazolamide as first-line therapy
- Regular visual field testing and optic nerve imaging
- Optic nerve sheath fenestration or CSF shunting in progressive or refractory cases
- Review of medications predisposing to IIH such as tetracyclines or vitamin A derivatives