benign intercranial hypertension

[Kari-Galagher]

  I have been experiencing a rhythmic muffling in my right ear for over a year now.  I have had many tests done, including audiograms, MRI's, and MRA's.  My hearing is gradually getting worse but everything else is normal.  Now my ENT wants me to see an eye doctor for "benign intercranial hypertension".  What is this?  Can you give me as much information as possible on this subject.
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Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) is a condition that occurs in 19 of 100,000 obese women of childbearing age. 90 percent of patients are obese and between the age of 15 and 45 years. A much smaller number of men have this disorder The spinal fluid pressure is elevated but imaging studies are normal. If BIH is found then imaging studies need to be done. Diagnosis is usually made by clinical history, physical exam spinal tap (to measure an elevated pressure) and imaging studies. On physical exam you look for swelling of the optic nerves (that is why you are being sent to an ophtholmologist). Ii not treated this condition can result in visual loss. Patients with this condition usually have headaches. Treatment is aimed at decreasing the spinal fluid pressure.  
This information is provided for general medical education purposes. Please consult your physician regarding diagnostic and treatment options.
PS you may wish to ask your ENT about Meniere's disease.