Intracranial Hypertension has no cure. It may spontaneously vanish, which is often attributed to treatment. In some people symptoms may disappear, for up to several years, before returning.

The main goals of treatment are symptom relief and protection of eyesight.

Most people will be under the care of a specialist neurologist/neurosurgeon and also an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). They work together to protect your health and eyesight. There are two types of treatment options:
Medical or Surgical.
In addition, some people find complimentary therapies helpful.

Medical
The best treatments are diuretic-type drugs, which decrease the amount of fluid in the body. The most often prescribed drug for IH is Diamox Many people who find the side effects difficult to tolerate find Diamox Sequels easier, although they are difficult to obtain.

Otherwise, diuretics such as Frusemide (eg: Lasix) are prescribed. These work well to reduce overall fluid in the body, however they do not protect eyesight like Diamox does. Other brands of diuretics may also be prescribed.

Surgical
There are two operations used in the treatment of IH. One is an Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration (ONSF). This operation is to relieve pressure behind the eye/s, to protect remaining vision.

The other is the insertion of a shunt, which drains excess spinal fluid to the stomach and out of the body. There are several types of Shunts, named for where they start and end.

Complimentary therapies
There are a few Complementary Therapies that people use in conjunction with their medical treatments, with varied results. Indian head massage, massage, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reiki/spiritual healing, crystals and others have all been helpful in symptomatic relief of IH.

Weight Loss
Most doctors will recommend weight loss for people with IH. Although most sufferers are overweight, there is no medical evidence that weight loss cures IH.

For further information, see the following pages:

Diamox

Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration

Shunts

Complentary Therapies

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This page last updated 7/9/2003
Created by Julia S. I oughta 'fess!