Natural Remedies for Intracranial Hypertension
Intracranial Hypertension is a rare and unusual condition with unfortunately no cure. However, there are many options out there that may help you manage this complex condition, from medication to brain surgery.
But sometimes medicine and even surgical intervention can only do so much. In this case, natural remedies may help, either in place of these options or in addition to them.
Everyone is different, and like with any treatment method, natural remedies may take just as much trial and error. But in time, relief can come.
Before proceeding, it is important to note that I am not a doctor. I do not have a medical degree. The following natural remedies are based off of personal experience and research. As always, we recommend consulting with a medical professional first and foremost in regards to managing your health. Aside from that, we hope these tips may help:
Lose Weight
One of the first things your doctor is likely to suggest upon diagnosis is weight loss. There seems to be a high percentage of IIH patients who are overweight or obese, and these numbers are only increasing as obesity is on the rise. This leads professionals to believe there is a link between weight and symptoms.
Unfortunately, weight loss has not been proven to be everyone’s cure. However, it could be that changes in the diet (as mentioned below) play a role more-so than the actual weight lost. Even exercise may cause weight gain due to muscle mass, but this may still be beneficial as symptom-causing fat is being burned.
You can read more about why weight loss matters here.
Apply Ice or Heat
It took me a while to figure out which temperature my body actually needed. For some time, I was lying on heating pads for hours while my pressure only grew worse. It was when I noticed a pattern with the summertime heat increasing my pressure that I realized heat was actually a trigger.
However, it can still be quite relieving when it comes to inflammation. Heat increases blood flow and helps with connective tissue flexibility. It soothes and relaxes muscles. Of course, long-term exposure can pose risks.
That said, I found it agreeable to keep the heating pad on my lower back as long I was able to keep my neck and head cold.
While heat increases my pressure, cold decreases it.
Ice is commonly used on areas of pain as it decreases blood flow to that area. This in turn reduces swelling and inflammation, which is exactly what we’re looking for when spinal fluid pressure gets high. Ice also doubles as a pain numbing agent. Just know that like with heat, long periods of direct exposure can pose some risks.
Heating pads, ice hats or migraine caps, and cold towels have come in handy tremendously through this journey.
There are countless options out there in regards to heating pads, from rice packs to plug-in pads that cover the entire back and neck.
Ice towels, such as the Koldtec’s* version with long lasting engineered ice, have been a lifesaver when kept around the neck. It also helps with the nausea that may occur.
Migraine caps are a convenient, hands free option for keeping your head comfortable, especially if you’re needing to go out in public. Some also come with eye masks for those moments where a cold dark room seems like heaven.
Learn which temperature works for you, even if it’s simply alternating both.
(*not a sponsored post)
Take a Shower
Showers have always been my go-to when in pain. I’m not sure if it’s a shower’s ability to reduce tension and stress, or if it is more of a temperature thing. Either way, relief can be felt.
Many find the heat (or cold) from a shower can help relieve the inflammation brought on by high pressure. Showers promote blood circulation as well as relax muscles.
I personally feel the heat on my back not only relieves the pain but draws cooler temperatures to my head where pressure can then be lowered.
Change Your Position
Gravity plays a direct role in spinal fluid distribution and production, which you can read about here: “Gravity & Its Bizarre Effect on Spinal Fluid”
When you are upright, spinal fluid tends to drain down (or reabsorb). This may be relieving to the pressure within your head. However, being upright for too long can cause this fluid to build up further down your spine.
When you are lying flat, it may relieve your back pain, but this fluid is more likely to pool around your brain (hence why this is therapeutic for a CSF leak).
Some may even find lying on one side as opposed to another may trigger symptoms, as spinal fluid can favor certain areas.
While sleeping on a wedge pillow is often advised, I personally find that the position of my neck plays a larger role than overall position. You can read more about this here: “Sleepless Nights”
Drink Dandelion Tea
I first heard of dandelion tea during an online interview with Dr. Wouter Schievink and Peter Kranz (world known neurosurgeon & neuroradiologist). They labeled it as a natural mild diuretic.
Though I bought the tea, I never put in much effort to actually try it. I have seen many patients report its benefits though. It may also be found in a capsule form.
Change Your Diet
While many tend to focus on weight loss as a whole, sometimes it is simply a matter of specific dietary changes. This is especially helpful once you discover which foods may be a trigger for your symptoms.
I am never one to abandon a food altogether, but it is so important to learn to limit and moderate what we eat.
Limiting salt, sugar, and carbs have shown to be particularly helpful. These three are infamous for fluid retention as well as other health problems.
While high amounts of Vitamin A have been found to cause excess spinal fluid production (even if applied topically), magnesium and potassium are considered beneficial.
Caffeine may be hit or miss. While many swear by its benefits, others find it increases pressure. If anything, it may help with the headache aspect of IIH, but overall, you will have to try it yourself in order to know how it affects you personally.
Get Moving
Physical activity can be difficult when it comes to chronic pain. But if you can manage to move at all, it is strongly encouraged.
Physical therapy with a professional can give you excellent tips on what exercises may help you the most. This may include stretching exercises as well as strengthening exercises to help your body withstand the pressure and inflammation better.
In general, spinal fluid is very positional. Use caution when exercising in order to avoid pressure increases. Weights may also be difficult while symptomatic.
Brief walks or cycling are a couple of simple physical activities that may help. Swimming is also an excellent option, as it both relaxes and strengthens all while being gentle on the body.
Avoid staying in one position for too long. If possible, get up and get moving.
Relax
Although we may be tired of hearing it, stress takes a huge toll on our health. It is especially infamous for increasing cortisol levels which in turn increase fluid retention.
If you’re like me, you may not always feel it. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. When you are living with a chronic illness, your body is constantly working to try to keep things stable. You won’t always feel that.
Allow yourself time to rest. My neurologist once gave me one of the best pieces of advice: take 15 minutes a day to relax. Just 15 minutes to do nothing at all but rest and breathe. Think of nothing.
It is equally as important to remember you are not a burden. Be vulnerable and allow others to help take some of the load off. Allow a loved one to take your kids for the day, even if you just need to catch up on sleep. Take a day off from the housework and let your body recharge and refresh.
Embrace moments of self-care. Take a long bath. Diffuse soothing aromas. Listen to relaxing music. Go for a stroll through nature, soaking in the beauty that you see.
Pray. Read the Word and be still with God. You wont find more peace than in Him.
Keep a Symptom Journal
In order to know what to do or not do, I strongly recommend keeping a journal to track your symptoms. At my initial diagnosis, I told my neurologist that I guessed my episodes occurred a couple of times a month. It wasn’t until I started tracking my symptoms that I realized episodes were far more frequent and only increasing in severity and duration.
Your symptom tracker can be kept in a physical notepad or in the notes on your phone. There are also journals made specifically for this task or even apps that may help.
You may want to document your diet, your medications and side effects, hormonal fluctuations, weather changes, or daily activity. Triggers for this condition vary tremendously, so try not to leave anything out.
Documenting symptoms can also help your healthcare providers assist you in your care. It gives them the details they need to not only manage your condition but to broaden their knowledge in something that is so rare.
Avoid Triggers:
It’s amazing how the slightest thing can throw off your body’s natural balance. Sometimes, it isn’t so much what you do but what you don’t do. Everyone will experience different triggers that make their symptoms worse. Once you learn yours (perhaps by keeping a symptom journal), do your best to avoid them!
New Post Coming Soon: Triggers for Intracranial Hypertension (Subscribe for the update).
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
What natural remedies have helped you find relief from the symptoms of Intracranial Hypertension?
Let us know in the comments section below!
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24 Comments
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Rachel Reed
Thank you for this. I am a Christian with IIH and I’ve been so afraid to take topamax, number one because I’m still breastfeeding my 2 year old (I’m trying to wean.. she is my last so it’s hard lol) but also because I’m nervous about side effects. I want so desperately to find ways to cope naturally. This just gave me some hope so thank you. I’ve been drinking dandelion tea about 2 to 3 times a day and it helps. The main thing that keeps me going is Jesus. So thank you for that reminder to just be still. God bless you ❤️
April Normand
Thank you so much, Rachel, for your response and for taking the time to read. It can definitely be a scary thing to start a new medication, but hopefully your doctors have fully informed you on all of the pros and cons. Many find great relief from Topamax, and some experience fewer (or less harsh) side effects than others. Praying you are in the group that can tolerate it, and that it brings you relief. If not, there are many medication options out there, and as you can see, even natural ones! It makes me so happy to hear that you are holding onto Jesus through this, and I know without a doubt that He is holding onto you! Please never hesitate to reach out if you need anything! Praying for your ultimate healing!
Momma Bear
Dear Rachel,
My son had a craniotomy and experienced many problems. What I found that fixed it was learning that Jesus already obtained healing for any problem we have. It probably took me longer than most to learn and understand this (about 2 years), but I see my son healed today. I found the DHT Training (Divine Healing Technician Training) by jglm.org to be the most comprehensive free online video training, with Curry Blake, who teaches this because his first daughter died, but when his second daughter died, he knew how to pray and she was raised from the dead. This weekend, depending on where you live, Kevin Zadai (see Kevin Zadai- Youtube Channel–his latest videos deal with healing) will be in Orlando, Florida (kevinzadai.com/events/) teaching on this–this event is free, but one must register because there is limited seating. Robin D. Bullock at Church International (churchint.org) in Warrior, Alabama is having Richard Roberts (Oral Roberts’ son) come to pray over everyone that comes for healing on Sat., Jan 22 and Sun., Jan. 23–also a free event. Also, KCM (Kenneth Copeland Ministries) has a free prayer line and many pastors who have healing ministries. If you are Catholic, there is Fr. Mathias Thelen and Encounter Ministries that has a School of Healing (encounterministries.us). Also, Dr. Randy Clark has a healing ministry (globalawakening.com). Hank and Brenda Kunneman are in Omaha, Nebraska with Lord of Hosts Church (lohchurch.org) where they have many healings. Mario Murillo (mariomurillo.org) is having a tent crusade in Hanson, California soon and there have been many miracles in his other tent crusades in New York and other places, including a lady healed and restored from Stage 4 cancer. Andrew Wommack (Andrew Wommack Ministry Prayers, Colorado Springs, Colorado) also teaches healing–his son was toe-tagged in the morgue and 5 hours later was raised from the dead.
Why we don’t here about these people, the healings, and the miracles on the news is beyond me.
What I know is that Jesus heals today. People receive new body parts–arms, legs, teeth, organs that were removed, removal of metal plates and screws with no scarring. These miracles are real. If Jesus is doing this today, He can heal whatever is causing your problems. I encourage you to learn what to do to help yourself and others. Be healed, in the Name of Jesus!
April Normand
Jesus definitely still heals today! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Healing may look different for everyone (see the many stories in the Bible about healing), but He sacrificed Himself for all. By His stripes, we are healed!
Momma Bear
Hi, April! You had mentioned “Allow yourself time to rest. My neurologist once gave me one of the best pieces of advice: take 15 minutes a day to relax. Just 15 minutes to do nothing at all but rest and breathe. Think of nothing.”
I came across prayingmedic.com – a sight about a former atheist that God told to start praying for the patients he picked up in his ambulance and HE would heal them. He has a book “Divine Healing Made Simple” and many free videos on how to pray for yourself and get healed. So far it is the simplest method and effective because the person invites God to bring His Presence for Healing, Miracles, Peace, Deliverance and/or Revelation. The prayingmedic teaches you to hear God’s voice. Only God really knows what is wrong and how it can be fixed. Those minutes spent in quiet with Him will reveal it. It does work! God bless all of you!
April Normand
Quiet times with God are the best times. He loves to meet us in the Secret Place. Sometimes we only need to be quiet and listen for Him. You are right that He offers us His healing, miracles, peace, deliverance, and revelation. “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8 💙
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Veronica Rutherford
Hi, I just wanted to say thanks for your post. I have recently been diagnosed with IIH after ten years of symptoms. God has been my strength through it all and I would not have the depth of relationship and walk with Him that I have now without the trials and faith and maturity building episodes. Bless you my sister in Christ for your kindness and boldness. I am also walking in this as naturally as I can. Veronica (South Australia).
April Normand
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with this! I am sorry it took so long to receive your diagnosis, but I am glad you have finally found answers and that you can rest in Jesus through it all. I hope your symptoms have eased throughout this time. Praying for you for complete healing, and please never hesitate to reach out!
Diamond Hardman
Hello!
Can you list veggies that are recommended that are low I’m Vitamin A?
Al Gracian
I suggest looking at this 2016 study: doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.11.014
“Vitamin A toxicity is unlikely a contributory factor in the causation of IIH. Our findings differ from those of prior reports in part because of our use of more accurate quantitative methods and measuring vitamin A metabolites in both serum and CSF. ACZ may alter retinoid metabolism in IIH patients.”
April Normand
Thank you so much for sharing this link. It was very informative. There are definitely no absolutes with this condition, and we all tend to react to things differently. I hope research continues to find clearer answers for us.
Al Gracian
I’m glad the info was helpful! I just watched a presentation from the Spinal CSF Leak Foundation on YT. The video: “Dr. Charles Louy and Rachelle Tache, NP — Practical post-treatment considerations” at time stamp 16:00 it addresses RIH advisement. It says: “Foods with carotenoids do NOT need to be restricted – this is a resistant and pervasive myth.” Hopefully your platform can be used to shed light on this misconception.
Melissa Torres
I was diagnosed back in 2017. I lost weight and it went away. I just started having a few episodes and I made an apt for next Tuesday. I am sooo scared for them to tell me I have it again. I am terrified, I’m praying for Jesus to do a miracle because I’ve been through so much health trauma. I know people have it worse, I just need a break. I have theee kids 3 year old twins and and a 1 year old. I want to feel good and be healthy for them . I need to rest in Gods peace knowing he is holding me even tho it’s so hard at times. Thank you for sharing with us. I’m praying for all who are going through this.
ted
Hi Melissa torres. How was your second diagnosis result? Did weight loss realy help you?
Just starting
I am just going through the stage of diagnostics and being diagnosed and trying natural things before starting medication maybe very soon.
I’m first 5 weeks into trying … keto, intermittent fasting. Lots of restorative and yin yoga. long walks, beginner pilates, and vinyasa yoga.
I have cut out all sugar and carbs. And just in past few days went way down on salt.
One thing I’m trying for past couple days too is shilagit. It is a supplement with many minerals. They have done scientific studies with it where it lowers pressure in brain for brain injury patients. I am hopeful for its help tho I can’t speak on results yet.
I have also started dipping my face in ice water for several seconds in evening. It’s said to help inflamation.
Anyway …. I am SO apprehensive about medication. Doctors are very saying not to wait. ( for my visions sake) but all I see on line is how much people hate it. Hmm.
Just starting
P.s. another thing I did was find lists of migraine triggering foods to avoid. Tho I don’t actually get migrains, Just vision loss. But I figure it seems to overlap. Avoiding nuts and fermented vegetables now ( used to eat them daily) . Hoping this will also help.
Renee
I’ve been recently diagnosed and the doctor prescribed topamax I too and apprehensive about taking it. I’m really open to natural options any specific dandelion tea?
Pam Naidoo
Hi all,
I was also diagnosed with this today, couldn’t understand where my headaches and vision problems came from, always thought it was sinus. I have all the symptoms. I love Jesus, he is my healer and I know that he will take me through this.Any suggestions for natural methods to overcome this.I saw dandelion tea is one of the natural remedies. I pray that God will be with each one of you that is going through this, that he will be your healer.Trust and believe in him , he is the greatest miracle worker…Pam Naidoo, South Africa
Karina Medrano
How are you now? Are you taking meds or natural remedies? I’m praying I know God is good. No one understands what I’m going through. This is so hard. I still have faith on my beautiful Saviour. God bless you all.