What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Headache Attributed to Benign Intracranial Hypertension (BIH)
• Headache Attributed to IIH
• Headache due to Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

What is Headache Attributed to Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension? (Definition/Background Information)

• Headache Attributed to Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is a headache disorder that occurs secondary to idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Besides headache, the condition may be accompanied by other signs and symptoms such as severe ringing in the ears and/or swollen optic nerve causing vision impairment (termed papilledema)
• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition marked by increased intracranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure. It is usually noted in individuals who are obese, particularly in women in their active reproductive phase of life
• By definition, in Headache Attributed to Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, a new headache may develop, or an existing primary headache worsen significantly due to the increase in intracranial CSF pressure
• It is also reported that chronic migraine and chronic tension headaches may resemble Headache Attributed to IIH and/or can coexist in individuals with IIH. In individuals without papilledema and abducens nerve palsy, rebound headaches must be excluded via suitable tests and imaging studies, prior to arriving at a definite diagnosis

The criteria for diagnosis of Headache Attributed to Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS) is given below:

• Both of the following:
  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) has been diagnosed
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure exceeds 250 mm CSF (or 280 mm CSF in obese children)
• New headache, or a significant worsening of a pre-existing headache, fulfilling criterion below
• Either or both of the following:
  • Headache has developed or significantly worsened in temporal relation to the IIH, or led to its discovery
  • Headache is accompanied by either or both of the following: Pulsatile tinnitus and/or papilledema
• Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis

(Source: International Headache Society Classification ICHD-3, London, United Kingdom)