Diagnosis of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Is Frequently Incorrect

The diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is supported by papilledema, sometimes with headache, typically in an overweight woman aged 20 to 40. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressure ≥25 cm H₂O without another primary etiology is confirmatory. In many cases, ophthalmologic and CSF examinations can be difficult to interpret. Researchers at one referral center retrospectively reviewed records on 165 referrals for new IIH consultations during an 8-month period.

Of the 165 patients, 86 (group 1) were diagnosed with IIH by the outside physician and treated (n=74) or sent for treatment recommendations (n=12). Others (group 2) were referred to evaluate the possibility of IIH based on abnormal optic nerve appearance (n=61) or h…