Surgical Options for Intracranial Hypertension
For those of us living with Intracranial Hypertension, it can be frustrating to hear time and time again that there is no cure. And though it is true that nothing has been invented specifically to treat IIH, we do have options in how we can manage this bizarre and painful condition. While many may find relief from medication or even natural remedies, others find hope through surgery.
Now before we begin discussing the surgical options for IH, I would like to make it clear that I have only undergone one of these surgeries. Still, I feel it is important to provide all the information I can in regards to managing this condition so that no one has to suffer any longer than they already are. Much research took place in order to provide you with the best knowledge I can on this subject.
As always, I cannot stress enough that we are all different. Even when dealing with the same condition, our individual bodies will all experience it in a unique way, and what helps one may or may not help another. Not all surgery stories are horror stories either. Use wisdom and discernment, but please do not let fear guide you.
Most importantly, I am not a doctor. I do not have a medical degree. If you are experiencing a medical issue, please seek a medical professional first and foremost. (Read Full Disclaimers Page Here)
Otherwise, here are a few of the surgical treatments that have been found to be beneficial for IIH patients:
A shunt is a medical device that is used to help divert excess spinal fluid from around the brain and spinal cord to another place in the body where it can be reabsorbed. There are different types of shunts available depending on where the fluid is being diverted from and to.
Shunts can be a great option as they can often be adjusted in how much fluid they relieve. However, being this is quite an invasive procedure, shunt surgery is usually the last resort for both patients and doctors.
Still, if everything from weight loss to medication has failed, your doctor may feel a shunt is necessary and that the pros outweigh the cons.
You can read more about this surgery here. Or begin my own journey of shunt surgery, recovery, and healing here.
In some patients with IH, the veins of the brain can narrow, whether due to IH or as the cause of IH. This narrowing is known as Venous Sinus Stenosis. Venous Sinus Stenosis inhibits the flow of blood and CSF from the brain, causing painful headaches, pulsatile tinnitus, and much more.
When this occurs, the go-to treatment option is often a stent. A stent is a tiny tube that can be inserted into the narrowed portion of the vein to open it back up and allow things to flow more freely.
Stent surgery has become a fairly common procedure among IH patients, though this is an option that you must actually meet the criteria for.
You can read more about Stent surgery here.
IIH is infamous for causing the optic nerves of the eyes to swell, also known as papilledema. If left untreated, patients can go blind. When other treatment fails for this particular symptom, ONSF still remains.
Just like our spinal fluid is surrounded by a tough layer called the dura, the spinal fluid around the optic nerves is surrounded by its own tough coating called the optic nerve sheath. ONSF is a procedure where a tiny opening is cut into this sheath, allowing the excess spinal fluid to escape and reabsorb, ultimately relieving the pressure upon the eyes.
It is important to note that this surgery isn’t exactly for relieving pain or keeping pressure stable as much as it is for saving vision.
As a side note, this procedure was never brought up as an option for me, likely due to the fact that I never really experienced much in terms of optic nerve damage. Being my experience and knowledge on this subject is limited, I would love to hear from others on how this went for you. Please feel free to reach out to us with your story!
He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.
– Psalm 147:3
Did you undergo any of these surgeries for your IIH?
Please share your experience in the comments below!
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