Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

When a persistent headache appears along with changes in vision, it may be idiopathic intracranial hypertension, an increase in the pressure of the fluid surrounding the brain with no identifiable structural cause. It affects young people more frequently.

Common symptoms: headache, blurred vision or episodes of momentary vision loss, ringing in the ears, and, at times, double vision.

When to see a doctor? Given severe headaches that do not ease or changes in vision, since the elevated pressure can compromise the optic nerve.

Which specialist treats it? The neurologist is the one who studies this increase in pressure within the skull, often together with the ophthalmologist to monitor vision. It is best not to delay the evaluation when headache and visual disturbances coincide.