Abstract text (incl. figure legends and references)

Question

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is a rare cause of headache. It's usual age of presentation is in 3rd and 4th decades of life. However, it is seen in elderly population also, but with different clinical presentation. We present such a case here.

Methods

An 80 year old female with no previous comorbidities, presented to Ophthalmology department with complaints of blurring of vision with transient visual obscurations for around one year with mild generalized headache since 6 months. Examination revealed BP of 184/98 mmHg with papilloedema. She was subjected to brain imaging.

Results

MRI brain with MR venography was normal. Patient denied any history of prolonged drug intake. Hence, lumbar puncture was performed which showed opening pressure of 35cm H₂O with normal chemical composition. Thus, diagnosis of IIH was established as per modified Dandy's criteria. She was started on oral acetazolamide therapy with good response.

Conclusion

IIH is rarely reported in very elderly patients. In this age group, it generally presents along with hypertension and with visual symptoms being more dominant when compared to headache predominant presentation in the young. A careful history and meticulous examination is needed to diagnose this rare entity in the elderly age group.