Title: Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Diagnosis

Category: Neurology

Keywords: idiopathic intracranial hypertension, pseudotumor cerebri, benign intracranial hypertension, papilledema, lumbar puncture (PubMed Search)

Posted: 4/28/2010 by Aisha Liferidge, MD (Updated: 3/4/2026)

  1. Non-focal neurologic examination (except for 6th nerve palsy in some cases)
  2. Elevated opening pressure on lumbar puncture, > 20 to 25 mmH2O (perform only after risk for herniation assessed!)
  3. Normal cytologic and chemical cerebrospinal fluid analysis
  4. Small, symmetric brain ventricles on neuroimaging
  5. Exclusion of other sources of IH such as venous sinus thromboses by obtaining an MRI/venographic study of the head

References

Friedman DI, Jacobson DM. Diagnostic criteria for idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Neurology. Nov 26 2002;59(10):1492-5.