Causes of Benign Intracranial Hypertension

Benign intracranial hypertension, also known as pseudotumor cerebri, is a syndrome that shows increased pressure in the brain that is not caused by tumors. Symptoms are the same as those that result from brain tumors and other types of intracranial hypertension. They include headaches, nausea, double vision and loss of vision. There is some controversy between different groups about the causes, but there are some known causes, including several prescription medications.

Prescription Medication

• There are many documented cases of benign intracranial hypertension being caused by prescriptions. Tetracycline, minocycline and doxycycline antibiotics have caused intracranial hypertension in men and women of all ages and sizes. Other medication that can cause benign intracranial hypertension include the acne drug accutane, the irregular heartbeat medicine amiodarone, lithium and norplant. Growth hormone treatments and withdrawal from steroids also lead to intracranial hypertension.

Obesity

• Benign intracranial hypertension that is not caused by medication is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 50 who are overweight. A report from a University of Utah professor of neurology and opthalmology finds that 90 percent of the women with intracranial hypertension symptoms such as headache, pulsing sounds in the head, vision problems and nausea are obese.

Vitamin A

• The Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation shows documentation from the 16th century of several cases of intracranial hypertension caused by high levels of vitamin A. Excessive amounts of vitamin A is recognized as a cause of intracranial hypertension.

Infectious Diseases

• Diseases that can cause intracranial hypertension include HIV, syphilis, malaria, lyme disease, meningitis and infectious mononucleosis. But the tricyclic drugs used to treat these diseases can also cause benign intracranial hypertension.

Expert Insight

• Kathleen B. Digre, professor of neurology and ophalmology, recommends anyone taking tricyclic medication who has a headache or other symptoms be tested and treated. Treatment can include weight loss, stopping medication, taking medicine to relieve pressure and get rid of fluid and surgery. Follow-up eye exams will be necessary to monitor vision changes.