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For the longer term, weight loss is necessary for treatment of IIH that is brought on by obesity. A number of investigators have shown that weight loss is a cure for patients with IIH due to obesity. In general, it takes weight loss of between 10 to 20% of your body weight to cure IIH.
Because of the threat of blindness, it is very important for patients who have symptoms of IIH to be evaluated by a specialist who has experience with this condition.
Usually, the first approach to treatment for IIH is conservative. Individuals with IIH due to medication use (for example, minocycline or doxycycline) need to stop taking the causative medication, and may need additional treatment, depending on the severity of the IIH. If IIH is due to sleep apnea, the sleep apnea needs to be treated.
Acetazolamide is a diuretic (“water pill”) that works well at getting symptoms of IIH under rapid control. Almost all IIH patients are put on acetazolamide to lower the CSF pressure to reduce symptoms and lessen the chance of vision loss.
Another option is topiramate, which works well to decrease CSF pressure, and helps with migraine headaches. Other diuretics and steroid medications are sometimes used.
For the longer term, weight loss is necessary for treatment of IIH that is brought on by obesity. A number of investigators have shown that weight loss is a cure for patients with IIH due to obesity. In general, it takes weight loss of between 10 to 20% of your body weight to cure IIH. You will need to determine your weight loss goal with your treatment team. There is some evidence that using a low-sodium diet is beneficial.
Swedish Weight Loss Services is a multidisciplinary program offering a state of the art comprehensive portfolio of surgical, medical, pharmaceutical, behavioral and nutritional options to dramatically improve your health and wellbeing through weight loss and its long-term maintenance. Our team of compassionate health care professionals and staff deliver exceptional care in a warm and non-judgmental setting that promotes long lasting success.
The best scientific evidence so far is that combining weight loss, aerobic exercise, and acetazolamide gets IIH under control most rapidly with a sustained response.
A patient’s treatment plan may include periodic lumbar punctures to remove some cerebrovascular fluid and, thus, relieve pressure on the brain.
More information about Swedish Weight Loss Services
James Eckburg
Healthy Body with Redox
