Idiopathic intracranial hypertension in children: clinical presentations and management.

Background: Idiopathic intracranial is common in adults, particularly obese young women, but also occurs in children and adolescents.

Aim: Clinical presentation of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in the pediatric population and how the presenting signs and symptoms may be different from those seen among adult patients.

Results: This study is a prospective study conducted in the Alexandria Medical School, Egypt, between the periods starting from January 2003 till December 2007. Ten patients were included in this study, 9 patients were treated with repeated spinal taps while only one patient necessitated insertion of a theco-peritoneal shunt.

Conclusion: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension may occur in children as among adults. If diagnosed early, visual acuity can be saved with proper management.