e-newsletter 11.07
Welcome to the Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation E-Newsletter!
Research
Understanding Papilledema
If you haven’t visited our site recently, then you may have missed our latest homepage feature. Every month, you can check out a new article devoted to a subject of interest to the IH community. This month, we discuss papilledema and whether it’s possible to have intracranial hypertension without it. So, if you’re wondering why papilledema develops or what asymmetric papilledema is, take a moment to visit our homepage and read more about it! Here’s the link: Understanding Papilledema
Q&A
Q: Why are MRIs important?
A: Traditionally, MRIs, and neuroimaging, in general, have been used to rule out underlying causes of intracranial hypertension and to demonstrate that spinal taps can be undertaken safely. More recently, imaging studies are now being re-examined as a way to determine whether there are specific, objective findings that will identify idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The IHRF/OHSU IH Neuro-Imaging Library was created with this idea in mind.
In a 2006 paper from the University of Toronto, MRI studies on 30 patients found that the following were associated with IIH: flattening of the posterior sclera (back of the eye) ; optic nerve sheath distension; optic nerve tortuosity (change in shape of the optic nerve); pituitary deformity; and empty sella turcica. Sclera flattening was considered the best diagnostic sign. Interestingly, the study also revealed that small or “slit-like” ventricles were not significantly associated with IIH. Small ventricles had previously been considered a classic sign of IIH.
Further analysis of MRIs and imaging studies could lead to better diagnostic criteria and a more complete understanding of chronic IH progression and its effects.
For more information, please see:
Agid R, Farb RI, Willinsky RA, Mikulis DJ, Tomlinson G.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: the validity of cross-sectional neuroimaging signs.
Neuroradiology. 2006 Aug; 48(8):521-7.
Learn more about the IH Neuro-Imaging Library
Events
Los Angeles, CA:The first Ha Ha Benefit, a comedy showcase for IH research, was held October 21, 2007 at the Ice House Comedy Club in Pasadena. The event was organized by the Rodriguez family, in honor of their daughter Katie, who was diagnosed with IH in 2006. The showcase proved so popular that a second show was added. The evening raised over $20,000 for IH research.
Said mom Lilly: “We believe that finding a cure for IH does not happen with one physician, patient, or one sponsor. What will ultimately rid us of this illness is the joint effort of the entire community…Thank you, Dr. Tanne, for your compassion, caring, and most of all, for being a part of that effort.”
Thank you to the Rodriguez family, the comedians and the many other volunteers who helped make the Ha Ha Benefit such a fantastic success!
Pictures courtesy of the Rodriguez family.
Portland, OR: IH Group, Next Meeting Dec. 8, 2007, time TBA.
Misc
Need last-minute holiday flowers or a centerpiece? Check out Flowerpetal.com http://ihrfoundation.flowerpetal.com. Delivery is free and 12% of every sale benefits IH research!
You can also avoid the crowds this holiday season and help in the search for an IH cure by shopping online with GoodShop http://www.goodsearch.com/goodshop.aspx or Giveline http://www.giveline.com/default.asp?v=V045410663)! Choose from hundreds of brands and retailers including Nordstrom’s, Target, Macy’s Best Buy, Pet Smart, Wal-Mart and more.
This enewsletter is a publication of the Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation (IHRF). IHRF is the only non-profit in the world that funds research of chronic intracranial hypertension and provides education and support to patients, families, medical professionals and the general public. Please help us continue to offer these services by making a donation. Thank you.