Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Coping
Intracranial hypotensionis a medical condition in which pressure or volume in the brain cavity is below normal levels due to lowcerebrospinal fluid(CSF) levels. CSF is a clear, thick liquid that supports and cushions the brain and spinal cord. The reduced CSF causes a negative pressure within the skull, leading to headaches, dizziness, nausea, memory impairment, and other neurological symptoms.
This article discusses intracranial hypotension symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
John Coletti / Getty Images
Intracranial Hypotension Symptoms
The most common symptom of intracranial hypotension is severeheadaches.
Positional headaches feel better with lying down. They usually get worse throughout the day as a person has been standing up, and CSF leaks with the effects of gravity.
Other symptoms of intracranial hypotension include:
Why Do I Get a Headache When Standing Up?
Intracranial hypotension stems from having too little CSF to cushion and support the brain. This decrease typically results from a CSF leak in a tissue layer called thedura mater(dura), the outermost layer of connective tissue that encompasses themeningesof the brain.
The dura helps to protect and surround the brain and spinal cord. A hole or tear in the dura is the cause of intracranial hypertension.
There are many reasons why a hole or tear may occur, such as:
Healthcare providers who suspect intracranial hypotension based on neurological symptoms may order one or more diagnostic tests, such as:
Fortunately, intracranial hypotension usually resolves on its own and requires no medical intervention in most cases.
However, in cases in which this condition does not heal itself or is more severe, other procedures may be necessary.
Epidural Blood Patching
Surgery
Surgical options may include:
Occasionally, patients may develop “rebound intracranial hypertension,” or elevated CSF pressure after treatment. The most commonly used medication to counteract increased CSF pressure, in this case, is calledDiamox(acetazolamide), a diuretic used for reducing fluid buildup in the body.
The prognosis for most people who experience intracranial hypotension is positive. In most cases, this condition resolves independently without medical intervention. However, long-term prognosis and treatment become trickier if people need additional intervention.
The long-term prognosis depends on the severity of the dural tear or leak. If you have intracranial hypotension, it is essential to discuss the prognosis with your healthcare provider.
Coping with this condition varies and depends on its severity.
Managing mild and nonoperative intracranial hypotension symptoms often involves taking some downtime to allow the leak to heal. Other simple coping measures that your healthcare provider may recommend to manage uncomfortable symptoms include:
Discuss potential coping methods with your healthcare provider to see what they recommend for you.
Summary
Fortunately, most people with intracranial hypotension require no medical intervention, and the condition resolves independently. However, in cases where this condition does not heal itself or is more severe, surgery or other procedures may be required, such as EBP patching or surgery.
A Word From Verywell
Intracranial hypotension can be painful, frightening, and even debilitating. Fortunately, it typically resolves on its own and no invasive treatment is required. If intervention is needed, there are effective treatment options available.
This condition may take time to heal, so it’s essential to rest and take care of yourself during the recovery process. Talk to your healthcare provider about specific treatments and coping mechanisms that are most appropriate for you.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Symptoms of spontaneous intracranial hypotension.Spinal CSF Leak Foundation.Focus on causes of intracranial hypotension.Lin JP, Zhang SD, He FF, Liu MJ, Ma XX.The status of diagnosis and treatment to intracranial hypotension, including SIH.J Headache Pain. 2017;18(1):4. doi:10.1186/s10194-016-0708-8Shin HY.Recent update on epidural blood patch.Anesth Pain Med.2022;17(1):12-23. doi:10.17085/apm.21113
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Symptoms of spontaneous intracranial hypotension.Spinal CSF Leak Foundation.Focus on causes of intracranial hypotension.Lin JP, Zhang SD, He FF, Liu MJ, Ma XX.The status of diagnosis and treatment to intracranial hypotension, including SIH.J Headache Pain. 2017;18(1):4. doi:10.1186/s10194-016-0708-8Shin HY.Recent update on epidural blood patch.Anesth Pain Med.2022;17(1):12-23. doi:10.17085/apm.21113
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Symptoms of spontaneous intracranial hypotension.Spinal CSF Leak Foundation.Focus on causes of intracranial hypotension.Lin JP, Zhang SD, He FF, Liu MJ, Ma XX.The status of diagnosis and treatment to intracranial hypotension, including SIH.J Headache Pain. 2017;18(1):4. doi:10.1186/s10194-016-0708-8Shin HY.Recent update on epidural blood patch.Anesth Pain Med.2022;17(1):12-23. doi:10.17085/apm.21113
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Symptoms of spontaneous intracranial hypotension.
Spinal CSF Leak Foundation.Focus on causes of intracranial hypotension.
Lin JP, Zhang SD, He FF, Liu MJ, Ma XX.The status of diagnosis and treatment to intracranial hypotension, including SIH.J Headache Pain. 2017;18(1):4. doi:10.1186/s10194-016-0708-8
Shin HY.Recent update on epidural blood patch.Anesth Pain Med.2022;17(1):12-23. doi:10.17085/apm.21113
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
