Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is increased pressure around your brain. It occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the liquid that cushions your spinal cord and brain, builds up in your skull. Pressure builds up in your brain and on your optic nerve, the nerve at the back of your eye that helps you see.
The word idiopathic means “no known cause.” Intracranial means “in the skull,” and hypertension means “high pressure.”
An outdated name for idiopathic intracranial pressure is pseudotumor cerebri. Pseudotumor cerebri means false brain tumor. IIH used to sometimes be called pseudotumor cerebri because the symptoms can be similar to brain tumor symptoms.
Causes:
Some intracranial hypertension occurs because of known causes. Some people have chronic (long-lasting) intracranial hypertension because of health conditions like brain tumors or blood clots. Acute (sudden) intracranial hypertension can occur after a:
- Brain abscess (collection of pus and swelling in the brain).
- Head injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Stroke.
If you have idiopathic intracranial hypertension, that means CSF builds up for no known reason. This type can affect anyone but is most common in younger women who carry excess weight.
Symptoms:
The most common sign of intracranial hypertension is a sudden, severe headache. Sometimes the headache is so painful that it wakes you from sleep. People with IIH may also have a change in vision. You might see double or have sudden blind spots. Several conditions can cause these symptoms, so check with your provider to find out if symptoms are related to IIH or another condition.
Treatment:
For most people, intracranial hypertension symptoms improve with treatment. Your provider may recommend:
- Weight loss: If you have a high BMI, weight loss can reduce IIH symptoms. Your healthcare provider may recommend losing 5% to 10% of your body weight.
- Medication: Some medicines manage IIH symptoms. Your provider may prescribe acetazolamide (Diamox®) or topiramate to help your body produce less CSF. You may also take a diuretic (water pill) to decrease fluid retention.
- Surgery: In severe cases, you may need surgery for IIH. Your provider may recommend a spinal fluid shunt. A shunt is a long, thin tube placed in your brain to drain excess CSF. Or you may have an eye surgery called optic nerve sheath fenestration. Your provider makes small incisions around your optic nerve to allow better CSF drainage.
Kangaroo:
Symbolically the Kangaroo represents balance, connection, and uniqueness. The kangaroo teaches us to trust/ focus on oneself, to take a leap of faith, and you have the stamina to undertake anything in your path. Having the kangaroo balance beside you with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension will give you power to be unstoppable in life
1. Unique Reproductive System: Female kangaroos have a unique reproductive system where they can delay the development of their embryos until environmental conditions are favorable. This process is known as embryonic diapause.
2. Marsupial Pouch: Kangaroos are marsupials, which means they give birth to relatively undeveloped live young and carry them in a pouch. The pouch provides a protected environment for the newborn kangaroo, known as a joey, to continue its development.
3. Hind Leg Adaptations: Kangaroos are well-known for their powerful hind legs, which are adapted for hopping. The hind legs are much larger and stronger than the front legs, enabling kangaroos to cover large distances with incredible speed, reaching up to 40 mph (64 km/h).
4. Tail as a Third Leg: The muscular tail of a kangaroo is used for balance and support, acting like a third leg. It is also used in a unique form of locomotion called “pentapedal” walking, where the tail and hind legs work together.
5. Herbivorous Diet: Kangaroos are herbivores, primarily grazing on grasses. Their teeth are adapted for grinding and cropping vegetation, and they have a chambered stomach to help with the digestion of tough plant materials.
6. Social Structure: Kangaroos are social animals and often live in groups known as troops or mobs. These groups can vary in size and are typically led by the dominant male, called the alpha male or boom.
7. Nocturnal Behavior: Kangaroos are often more active during the night, which helps them avoid the heat of the day. They are crepuscular or nocturnal animals, feeding in the early morning or late afternoon.
8. Different Species: There are four main species of kangaroos: the Red Kangaroo, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Western Grey Kangaroo, and Antilopine Kangaroo. Each species has its own unique characteristics and is adapted to different environments across Australia.
9. Communication and Vocalizations: Kangaroos communicate with each other through a variety of vocalizations, including grunts, coughs, and clicks. Mother kangaroos also use clucking sounds to communicate with their joeys.
10. Conservation Status: While some kangaroo species are abundant and not considered at risk, others, such as the Tasmanian Forester Kangaroo, are facing threats and are listed as vulnerable or endangered. Human activities, including habitat loss and hunting, can impact kangaroo populations.
Walter Dandy: Pioneering Neurosurgeon in Hydrocephalus and IIH Research
Introduction
Walter Dandy (1886-1946) was a prominent American neurosurgeon whose groundbreaking work in the fields of hydrocephalus and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) revolutionized the understanding and treatment of these neurological conditions. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of neurosurgery, and his legacy continues to influence modern medical practices.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 6, 1886, in Sedalia, Missouri, Walter Dandy displayed a keen intellect and an early interest in medicine. He graduated from the University of Missouri School of Medicine in 1910. After completing his medical degree, Dandy pursued further education and training in neuroanatomy and neurosurgery under the guidance of eminent figures in the field.
Pioneering Contributions to Hydrocephalus Research
One of Dandy’s most significant contributions was in the study of hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s ventricles. Dandy introduced the concept of intraventricular endoscopy, a technique involving the use of an endoscope to visualize and treat pathologies within the ventricular system. This pioneering method laid the foundation for modern endoscopic neurosurgery and greatly improved outcomes for patients with hydrocephalus.
Furthermore, Dandy developed techniques for the surgical treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus, which involved bypassing blockages in the CSF pathways. His meticulous anatomical studies and surgical innovations led to a significant reduction in mortality rates associated with hydrocephalus surgeries.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) Research
Dandy’s interest in conditions affecting intracranial pressure extended to the study of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), formerly known as pseudotumor cerebri. IIH is a disorder characterized by increased pressure within the skull, often resulting in debilitating symptoms such as severe headaches and visual disturbances. Dandy’s pioneering research in this area shed light on the underlying mechanisms and opened up new avenues for treatment.
Dandy’s meticulous documentation and observation of IIH patients allowed him to identify key diagnostic criteria and refine surgical interventions to alleviate intracranial pressure. His contributions in this field continue to serve as a cornerstone for modern approaches to IIH management.
Legacy and Impact
Walter Dandy’s legacy is indelibly etched in the annals of neurosurgery. His contributions revolutionized the understanding and treatment of hydrocephalus and IIH, saving countless lives and improving the quality of life for numerous patients. Dandy’s meticulous approach to surgical technique, combined with his relentless pursuit of knowledge, set a standard for excellence in neurosurgical practice.
Dandy’s work continues to inspire and inform contemporary neurosurgeons, and his influence is evident in the continued advancements in the field of neurosurgery. His dedication to patient care, coupled with his pioneering spirit, has left an enduring mark on the medical community.
Conclusion
Walter Dandy’s groundbreaking contributions to the fields of hydrocephalus and IIH research have solidified his place as a luminary in the history of neurosurgery. His innovative techniques and meticulous approach to patient care continue to shape modern neurosurgical practices. Dandy’s legacy serves as a testament to the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have on the advancement of medical science and the improvement of patient outcomes.