Intracranial hypertension (IH) refers to a condition of increased pressure in your skull due to too much cerebrospinal fluid (fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord), according to the Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation (IHRF). Cerebrospinal fluid serves as a shock-absorber against injury and drains toxins away from your brain and spinal cord. It also supplies nutrients such as glucose to your brain and spinal cord. Major symptoms of IH should be brought to the attention of a doctor right away.
Severe Headache
According to the IHRF, headache is the most prevalent symptom of intracranial hypertension. This headache is severe, unbearable and extremely painful. It may be accompanied by light, sound and smell sensitivity, and can be exacerbated by sneezing or physical exertion. This headache varies in each person. You may experience this headache on one side of your head while another person may experience this pain behind his eyes. The pain can be sharp, dull or throbbing in nature. It may last a few minutes, hours or for several weeks.
Visual Changes
According to the Imaging and Perimetry Society of the University of Iowa's Department of Opthalmology, IH can cause fleeting visual changes. These visual changes last for approximately 30 seconds or less, and are caused by swelling of your optic (eye) nerves (papilledema). Double vision or temporary visual loss can affect one or both eyes, and you might see gray spots or have blurry vision. When IH is particularly severe, it can lead to blindness.
Pulsating Tinnitus
The IHRF says that tinnitus is another major symptom of IH. Tinnitus refers to a sensation of sound in your ears. This sound is usually pulsating in IH sufferers. You may hear a whistling, whooshing or humming sound, as well, in one or both of ears, depending on the intracranial pressure. IH does not result in permanent hearing loss, though it can cause hearing difficulty.
