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

• Headache due to Intracranial Hypertension Secondary to Hydrocephalus

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

• Headache Attributed to Intracranial Hypertension Secondary to Hydrocephalus is a headache disorder that occurs secondary to elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure causing hydrocephalus. The condition may be accompanied by other signs and symptoms depending on the underlying cause of pressure increase
• Hydrocephalus develops when there is an excess of CSF in the brain cavities, which cannot be drained or absorbed. This builds up pressure in the head to disproportionate levels, and has a potential of causing serious long-term harm, including death. Any trauma, disease, or infection, affecting the brain can cause hydrocephalus
• By definition, in Headache Attributed to Intracranial Hypertension Secondary to Hydrocephalus, a new headache may develop, or an existing primary headache worsen significantly, due to the increase in intracranial CSF pressure. The headache is also known to reduce in severity on lowering of the CSF pressure and managing hydrocephalus adequately
• Typically, normal-pressure hydrocephalus is not known to cause headaches or may infrequently cause dull headaches that are mild

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

• Intracranial hypertension has been attributed to hydrocephalus
• Intracranial hypertension has been diagnosed, with both of the following:
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure exceeds 250 mm CSF (or 280 mm CSF in obese children)
  • Normal CSF composition
• New headache, or a significant worsening of a pre-existing headache, fulfilling criterion below

Evidence of causation demonstrated by at least two of the following:

• Headache has developed in temporal relation to development or worsening of the increased CSF pressure, or led to its discovery
• Either or both of the following:
  • Headache has significantly worsened in parallel with worsening of the hydrocephalus
  • Headache has significantly improved in parallel with improvement in the hydrocephalus

Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis.

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