Seizures as the Initial Manifestation of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Spectrum Disorder

Neuroophthalmology. 2023 Sep 11;47(5-6):248-254. doi: 10.1080/01658107.2023.2251579. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a syndrome of isolated elevated intracranial pressure of unknown aetiology. The IIH spectrum has evolved over the past decade making the diagnosis and management more challenging. The neurological examination in IIH is typically normal except for papilloedema and possible cranial nerve 6 palsy. Recent publications have highlighted skull base thinning and remodelling in patients with chronic IIH. Resulting skull base defects can cause meningo-encephalocoeles, which are potential epileptogenic foci. We describe the clinical and radiological characteristics of five IIH patients with seizures and meningo-encephalocoeles as the presenting manifestations of IIH spectrum disorder.

Keywords: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension; encephalocele; meningocele; meningoencephalocele; seizures.