Intracranial Hypertension Symptoms

Intracranial hypertension, also known by the name pseudotumor cerebri, is a condition characterized by an increase of pressure within the skull. Often mimicking symptoms of a brain tumor, this form of hypertension is believed to be caused by an abnormal amount of cerebrospinal fluid. Normally, this fluid is absorbed into a person's bloodstream, but, when this fails to happen, more and more fluid can build up within the skull, resulting in an increase in pressure as well as a number of undesirable symptoms.
  1. Headaches

    • Of all the symptoms of intracranial hypertension, frequent headaches are probably one the more common. These headaches range in intensity from moderate to severe and are predominantly felt just behind the eyes, but you may experience this pain anywhere within the skull. They often worsen whenever you change your line of vision.

    Vision Changes

    • Often accompanying these headaches is a change in visual perception. And depending on the person and amount of pressure within the skull, these vision changes manifest in varying degrees of severity. For some people, they begin to suffer from blurred, dimmed or doubled vision. For others, this symptom comes about as partial or peripheral vision loss. It may even cause periodic episodes of blindness.

    Cognitive Issues

    • Intracranial hypertension could cause symptoms involving your cognitive health. In this situation, you'd begin to experience the "unexplained" sensations of dizziness, light-headedness or even vertigo. This may prompt some instability or a loss of balance.

    Digestive Issues

    • It is also possible to suffer from a certain amount of digestive issues, namely upset stomach, nausea and vomiting. Most of the time, these symptoms are linked to the headaches, visual disruptions and dizziness, but you may experience them on their own.

    Auditory Disruptions

    • Sometimes, intracranial hypertension can cause issues involving your auditory senses. When this symptom manifests, it often prompts a ringing, buzzing or whirring within the ears. For most people, it is a rhythmic sound that is usually in time with the beat of their heart.

    Sleep Disruptions

    • Though more of a symptom of other symptoms, like headaches, digestive issues and auditory disruptions, it isn't uncommon for a person with intracranial hypertension to experience a change in sleep patterns. They can begin to suffer from difficulties both getting to sleep and staying asleep.

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