IIH

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What is IIH?

A severe condition with no cure that produces too much cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) causing a build-up of pressure in the brain and optic nerves.

Symptoms of IIH

Severe headaches, dizziness, floaters in the eyes, whooshing in the ears (tinnitus), sickness, blindness, balance issues, blurred vision, double vision

Some more information on some of the first tell tale signs are located here.

Medical Treatments


Common Prescriptions are: Diamox, Topamax, Neptazane, and Furosemide. Common procedures are regular Lumbar Punctures, MRIs, CTs, and Ophthalmology exams. Lumbar Punctures however, only last for so long then it continues to rebuild fluid and pressure. Eventually Lumbar Punctures are effective for a few short weeks or less. Next thing doctors perform is surgery. There are several different types of surgery doctors perform to try and control the build-up, here are a few examples;  Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration (ONSF), Lumbo Peritoneal (LP) Shunt, Ventriculo Peritoneal(VP) Shunt, Dural Venous Sinus Stent, and Sub Temporal Decompressions. 

Things to do when vision fails

As stated prior, there is no cure for this condition. However, there are some things you can do to help pass the day or learn more about this debilitating condition. If you are having difficulty with your vision and wanting to do something other than sit around, listen to audiobooks. They're are currently some really good books out that help educate the public a little better on this condition. Plus, it is best to do the research as most doctors when told you have this condition are more curious as to what you know about it so they can benefit from it.

Find a Support Group

There are several support groups out there that are willing to listen and help those who are in need of help. One support group I have found that is very supportive, friendly, and happy to help is located on facebook. If you don't have a facebook account then it might be a good time to have one. The group is called IIH or simply click here and it will take you to the group. 


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