Benign intracranial hypertension

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Benign Intracranial Hypertension (BIH)
- Also known as Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) or Pseudotumor Cerebri

#### Summary
Benign intracranial hypertension is a condition characterized by increased pressure around the brain without any obvious cause. It mimics symptoms of a brain tumor but does not involve an actual tumor. The pressure can lead to vision problems and headaches.

#### Causes
The exact cause of benign intracranial hypertension is unknown. However, it may be associated with excess cerebrospinal fluid around the brain. Potential contributors include obesity, hormonal imbalances, certain medications (like tetracycline), and venous sinus stenosis.

#### Risk Factors
- Obesity, particularly in young women
- Female gender, as it's more common in women of childbearing age
- Use of certain medications, such as oral contraceptives, steroids, or vitamin A derivatives
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

#### Symptoms
- Severe headaches
- Blurred or double vision
- Temporary visual obscurations (short episodes of vision loss)
- Ringing in the ears that pulses in time with your heartbeat (pulsatile tinnitus)
- Nausea or dizziness

#### Diagnosis
- Fundoscopic examination to check for papilledema (swelling of the optic disc)
- Lumbar puncture to measure cerebrospinal fluid pressure
- MRI or CT scan to rule out other causes of increased intracranial pressure
- Visual field tests to assess any vision loss

#### Treatment Options
- Weight loss and a low-salt diet to reduce fluid retention
- Medications such as acetazolamide to decrease cerebrospinal fluid production and relieve symptoms
- Therapeutic lumbar punctures to temporarily relieve pressure
- Surgery (e.g., optic nerve sheath fenestration or cerebrospinal fluid shunt) in severe cases

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
With appropriate treatment, many individuals experience relief from symptoms and avoid permanent vision damage. Regular follow-up with an ophthalmologist and neurologist is crucial to monitor eye health and intracranial pressure.

#### Complications
Without treatment, the condition can lead to permanent vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise may help prevent the onset of symptoms.
- Limiting salt intake can reduce fluid retention, potentially lowering intracranial pressure.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe headaches or sudden changes in vision, as these may indicate increased intracranial pressure.

#### Additional Resources
- [Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation](https://www.ihrfoundation.org/)
- [National Institutes of Health (NIH)](https://www.nih.gov/)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure to distinguish between benign intracranial hypertension and other neurological conditions in patient records.
- Be cautious of common miscodings with G93.2, especially with similar conditions that fall under different ICD codes.