Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Neurological Disorders > Brain Diseases > Intracranial Hypertension
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), sometimes called benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) or pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is a neurological disorder that is characterized by increased intracranial pressure (ICP), in the absence of a tumor or other intracranial pathology.
Explanation of terms
The terms "benign" and "pseudotumor" have often been used for this disorder to make clear that the increased ICP is not caused by a tumor or malignancy. However, these terms belie the significance and potential morbidity of the disorder - Thus, it is most appropriately referred to as IIH, and not by its other names. Cases of increased ICP with a known cause can be called secondary intracranial hypertension (SIH), but for the purposes of this article the distinction is not entirely vital.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of IIH is one of exclusion. The principle sign of IIH, papilledema, can occur because of brain tumors (hence the term "pseudotumor cerebri," which literally means "false brain tumor"), or in other conditions involving increased ICP. Thus, a thorough evaluation is essential to the diagnosis of IIH. Radiologic imaging scans are, as a rule, normal in IIH save for the finding of small or slit-like cerebral ventricles, and what may appear to be an 'empty' sella turcica (caused by flattening of the pituitary under pressure). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear fluid which surrounds and circulates through the brain and spinal cord - it is to the fluid pressure of the CSF that the concept of 'intracranial pressure' refers. The chronic pressure increase in IIH is, as the word "idiopathic" indicates, of uncertain etiology; Most researchers believe that the body's ability to absorb CSF is somehow impaired in those individuals with IIH. A less likely possibility (one that is now generally dismissed) is that of CSF overproduction. Many scientists and doctors believe that there is also some degree of brain swelling or engorgement. More on [ Idiopathic intracranial hypertension ]
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Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation - Nonprofit organization supporting research and the causes and treatment of IH (pseudotumor cerebri). Information about the condition, patient registry, research news, and links to related sites.
Meta Description: [ The Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation is the only non-profit organization in the world devoted to finding new therapies and a cure for Intracranial Hypertension through medical research. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones. ]
Benign Intracranial Hypertension - A UK based site relaying a personal experience, with symptoms, possible causes, and diagnosis. Message boards are included to connect with others living with BIH.
Meta Description: [ A source of information and support for those affected by pseudotumor cerebri / benign intracranial hypertension.
Includes a very popular message board. ]
care2 BIH group - A support and educational group for those diagnosed with B.I.H, their families and friends; also for compassionate souls who wish to learn more and help others.
Meta Description: [ Care2 - Free services that help save wildlife! Care2 is the World's largest communi
ty of people who care about the Environment! ]
Delphi PTC Forums - Message boards and a chat room for people living with Pseudotumor Cerebri.
Dutch PTC Support Group - Viewable in both Dutch and English, this site is maintained by the Dutch PTC Support Group. Subscribe to the monthly newsletter, read personal PTC stories and an informal survey conducted by the managers of this group of the members; along with the survey results.
Living with Pseudotumor Cerebri - Includes an online book called The PTC Primer, an explanation of pseudotumor cerebri, newsletters, sign-up for a patient database, and links to related sites and support groups.
Pseudotumor Cerebri Community - Provides support for patients, friends and families. Includes information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as message boards and an open chat room.
Meta Description: [ This site is for people living with PTC, (Intracranial Hypertension), and their families. Membership requests without a message stating why you would like to join will not be considered, to cut down on spammers.
You'll find multiple message boards, online chats, and many articles and links rel... ]
Team IIH - Information on Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH, also known as Pseudotumor Cerebri), that includes pages written in Swedish, English, Italian, and German.
Meta Description: [ Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension / Pseudotumor Cerebri / Benign Intracranial Hypertension.Idiopathische Intrakranielle Hypertension / Pseudotumor Cerebri / Benigne Intrakranielle Hypertonie / Ipertensione Intracranica Idiopatica / Pseudotumor Cerebri / Ipertensione Endocranica Idiopatica (Ben... ]
Yahoo! Groups : PTC - This is a mailing list for those who suffer from PTC. Family members, friends and loved ones are not only welcome but encouraged to participate.
Meta Description: [ ptc: This is a mailing list for those who suffer from PTC. Family members, friends and loved ones are not only welcome but encourag ]
Yahoo! Groups: PTC-Support-Group - This is an email support group for people who have Pseudotumor Cerebri. A chat room is also provided for additional support.
Meta Description: [ ptc-support-group: This is a support group for people who have Pseudotumor Cerebri. PTC is a very real and potentially painful condition, our ph ]
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