Short-term Prognosis of Vision in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Abstract

Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition where intracranial pressure is raised in the absence of both abnormal neuroimaging and abnormal cerebrospinal fluid composition. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and ophthalmological parameters that could influence short term poor outcome of vision in IIH patients. Patient and methods: A total of 18 IIH patients admitted to the department of Neurology, Zagazig University were included in this prospective cohort study. Complete clinical evaluation and ophthalmological assessment were done and included visual acuity, papilledema grading, field of vision, contrast sensitivity and color vision. Short term visual outcome was assessed after 3 months guided by visual field results and was correlated with clinical and ophthalmological parameters. Results: Visual acuity impairment from the onset was significant among patients with higher degrees of headache (p = 0.008), patients with impaired contrast sensitivity (p = 0.027 and 0.003 for RT and LT eye respectively) and patients with higher levels of serum cholesterol (p = 0.006). Short term visual outcome was assessed after 3 months and good prognosis was significantly correlated with young age (p = 0.004) and shunt operation (p = 0.038). Conclusion: Young age and early intervention by lumboperitoneal shunt were significant factors for good outcome of vision in IIH. Doctors should recognize that in order to preserve vision and lower morbidity.