INTRACRANIAL HYPERTENSION Meaning and
Definition
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Intracranial hypertension refers to a medical condition characterized by increased pressure inside the skull, specifically in the cranial cavity that houses the brain. Also known as pseudotumor cerebri or idiopathic intracranial hypertension, this condition is typically marked by symptoms similar to those of a brain tumor, such as persistent headaches, vision problems, and pulsating noises in the ears. However, in cases of intracranial hypertension, there is no identifiable tumor.
The increased pressure inside the skull can result from various factors, including excess production or impaired absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. The accumulation of excess CSF can cause compression and damage to brain tissues, leading to various neurological symptoms.
Diagnosis of intracranial hypertension often involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history assessment, and imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans. Lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, may also be performed to measure CSF pressure.
Treatment for intracranial hypertension aims to relieve symptoms and reduce pressure inside the skull. This may include lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, medications to reduce CSF production or increase its absorption, and in severe cases, surgical interventions like optic nerve sheath fenestration or shunt placement to redirect CSF flow.
Despite being a relatively uncommon condition, intracranial hypertension can have significant impacts on an individual's quality of life and may require ongoing management and monitoring.
Common Misspellings for INTRACRANIAL HYPERTENSION
- untracranial hypertension
- jntracranial hypertension
- kntracranial hypertension
- ontracranial hypertension
- 9ntracranial hypertension
- 8ntracranial hypertension
- ibtracranial hypertension
- imtracranial hypertension
- ijtracranial hypertension
- ihtracranial hypertension
- inrracranial hypertension
- infracranial hypertension
- ingracranial hypertension
- inyracranial hypertension
- in6racranial hypertension
- in5racranial hypertension
- inteacranial hypertension
- intdacranial hypertension
- intfacranial hypertension
- inttacranial hypertension
Etymology of INTRACRANIAL HYPERTENSION
The word "intracranial" is derived from the Latin words "intra" meaning "within" and "cranium" meaning "skull", referring to something inside the skull.
The word "hypertension" is also derived from Latin roots. "Hyper-" means "above" or "excessive", and "tensio" means "pressure". Therefore, "hypertension" is a medical term used to describe high or excessive pressure.
Combining these two words, "intracranial hypertension" refers to a condition characterized by high pressure within the skull.
