Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH)

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What is Benign intracranial hypertension?

Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) is a disease of the brain. Benign intracranial hypertension is characterised by increased pressure in the brain without any evidence of any brain pathology by imaging studies. Benign intracranial hypertension is also characterised by normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF - the fluid that surrounds the entire central nervous system, including brain and spinal cord) content.

It is also known in different names, including:

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH)

Pseudotumour cerebri (PTC)

Who gets Benign intracranial hypertension?

Benign intracranial hypertension is an extremely rare disease. Studies from various countries estimate that the annual incidence is at the figure of 0.9 per 100,000 of general population. This figure is increased in women after puberty and in women with their weight 20% or more of the ideal weight.

Predisposing Factors

Gender is a major risk factor for BIH. Before puberty, boys and girls are affected equally. After puberty, BIH affects women 9 times as often as men.

Obesity is a risk factor as well, considering that the incidence rises sharply with women 20% or more above their ideal weight.

Progression

In short, the pathogenesis of benign intracranial hypertension is still uncertain despite the fact that it has been described more than 100 years ago.

Benign intracranial hypertension is characterised by the following:

Increased intracranial pressure.

Lack of ventricular dilatation (ventricles are fluid filled cavities in the middle of the brain).

Predilection for young, obese women.

Induced by various medications, including tetracycliines, vitamin A and oral contraceptive pills.

The exact mechanism of benign intracranial hypertension is still under debate at the moment.

With prolonged high pressure in the brain, eye changes and brain changes may occur.

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