Headache in an Obese Adolescent Male: A Nonclassical Presentation of an Uncommon Disease. (6th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhou, Bill; Yim, Catherine; Chawla, Soni
• Is Part Of: Global pediatric health. Volume 5(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-07-06
• Subjects: idiopathic intracranial hypertension -- pseudotumor cerebri -- headache -- obesity; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1177/2333794X18785550
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2333-794X

Abstract

Background . Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), also known as pseudotumor cerebri, is a diagnosis of exclusion in the clinical scenario of increased intracranial pressure without an identifiable cause. This case report provides a brief review of current literature on IIH, important differential considerations to rule out prior to diagnosis, and relevant imaging findings of IIH. Case Presentation . An 18-year-old male presenting with headache and blurry vision was found to have signs of increased intracranial pressure on imaging without other abnormalities to explain the cause, suggesting IIH as a diagnosis. Conclusion . IIH is classically seen in overweight females of childbearing age but should be considered in all obese patients, including the pediatric population given the increasing rate of childhood obesity.