Intracranial Hypotension Symptoms - A Few Q & A's

If you have been told that you have intracranial hypotension symptoms, you may be confused as to what this disease actually is. It involves major portions of your brain and being educated on the disease will lessen any anxiety you may be experiencing. Following is a list of common questions and answers about intracranial hypotension.

Question 1: Do I have a brain tumor? Answer: Probably not because intracranial hypotension can mimic the symptoms of a brain tumor by increasing the fluid around the brain.

Question 2: What happens if there is too much fluid around my brain? Answer: Your brain naturally has fluid surrounding it but with  intracranial hypotension the pressure in this area cannot adequately support any additional fluid. This causes your blood pressure to rise.

Question 3: Who is most likely to develop the disease? Answer: Statistically, this disease is more common in women, especially when they are pregnant and/or have a dramatic weight gain. 

Question 4: Are there certain intracranial hypotension symptoms I should watch for? Answer: Yes. Frequent headaches and nausea are red flags for this disease. Other symptoms include vision problems, which can result in permanent vision loss and nerve palsy.

Question 5: Are there other ways to develop the disease? Answer: Medical conditions such as blood clots that limit the flow of spinal fluid between the brain and associated blood vessels can cause high blood pressure.

Question 6: Can drugs be a factor? Answer: Yes. Intracranial hypotension symptoms can increase if you take large amounts of vitamin A or obtain it via certain food sources such as liver. Also, withdrawing steroids from your drug regimen can contribute to the disease.

Question 7: Do I need to be overly concerned if I have been diagnosed with the disease: Answer: Absolutely. You need to have an in-depth discussion with your physician about monitoring your blood pressure and asking her about taking any prescribed medication.

Question 8: How is this disease diagnosed? Answer: Usually your physician will recommend an MRI and/or a lumbar puncture.

Question 9: Can my disease be successfully treated? Answer: Yes. A customized diet may be recommended if you are overweight or pregnant. 

In conclusion, intracranial hypotension symptoms are neurological disorders involving pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid. Individuals often need help in determining if they are experiencing symptoms that might be a precursor to developing the disease. Your physician is the best person to consult about measuring the severity of your specific disease. There are several organizations including the Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation that support medical research on intracranial hypotension. This organization educates patients on the disease and can provide you with assistance and encouragement. 

Privacy Policy And Terms Of Use