scholarly journals The patients’ perspective on the burden of idiopathic intracranial Hypertension

Author(s):  
Max Witry ◽  
Christine Kindler ◽  
Johannes Weller ◽  
Andreas Linder ◽  
Ullrich Wüllner

Abstract Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by increased intracranial pressure without evidence of a tumor or any other underlying cause. Headache and visual disturbances are frequent complaints of IIH patients, but little is known about other symptoms. In this study, we evaluated the patients’ perspective on the burden of IIH. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, we developed an online survey for patients with IIH containing standardized evaluations of headache (HIT-6), sleep (PROMIS Sleep Disturbance Scale) and depression (MDI) in relation to BMI, lumbar puncture opening pressure (LP OP) and treatment. Results: Between December 2019 and February 2020, 306 patients completed the survey. 285 (93%) were female, mean age was 36.6 years (± 10.8), mean BMI 34.2 (± 7.3) and mean LP OP at diagnosis was 37.8 cmH2O (± 9.5). 219 (72%) of the participants were obese (BMI ≥ 30); 251 (82%) reported severe impacting headaches, 140 (46%) were suffering from sleep disturbances and 169 (56%) from depression. Higher MDI scores correlated with higher BMI and increased sleep disturbances. Patients with a normalized LP opening pressure reported less headaches, less sleep disturbances and less depression than those with a constantly elevated opening pressure. Conclusion: In addition to headaches and visual disturbances, sleep disturbances and depression are frequent symptoms in IIH and contribute to the patients’ burden. Structured questionnaires can help to identify IIH patients’ needs and can lead to personalized and better treatment.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Max Witry ◽  
Christine Kindler ◽  
Johannes Weller ◽  
Andreas Linder ◽  
Ullrich Wüllner

Abstract Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by increased intracranial pressure without evidence of a tumor or any other underlying cause. Headache and visual disturbances are frequent complaints of IIH patients, but little is known about other symptoms. In this study, we evaluated the patients’ perspective on the burden of IIH. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, we developed an online survey for patients with IIH containing standardized evaluations of headache (HIT-6), sleep (PROMIS Sleep Disturbance Scale) and depression (MDI) in relation to BMI, lumbar puncture opening pressure (LP OP) and treatment. Results: Between December 2019 and February 2020, 306 patients completed the survey. 285 (93%) were female, mean age was 36.6 years (± 10.8), mean BMI 34.2 (± 7.3) and mean LP OP at diagnosis was 37.8 cmH2O (± 9.5). 219 (72%) of the participants were obese (BMI ≥ 30); 251 (82%) reported severe impacting headaches, 140 (46%) were suffering from sleep disturbances and 169 (56%) from depression. Higher MDI scores correlated with higher BMI and increased sleep disturbances. Patients with a normalized LP opening pressure reported less headaches, less sleep disturbances and less depression than those with a constantly elevated opening pressure. Conclusion: In addition to headaches and visual disturbances, sleep disturbances and depression are frequent symptoms in IIH and contribute to the patients’ burden. Structured questionnaires can help to identify IIH patients’ needs and can lead to personalized and better treatment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Max Witry ◽  
Christine Kindler ◽  
Johannes Weller ◽  
Andreas Linder ◽  
Ullrich Wüllner

Abstract Background Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by increased intracranial pressure without evidence of a tumor or any other underlying cause. Headache and visual disturbances are frequent complaints of IIH patients, but little is known about other symptoms. In this study, we evaluated the patients’ perspective on the burden of IIH. Methods For this cross-sectional study, we developed an online survey for patients with IIH containing standardized evaluations of headache (HIT-6), sleep (PROMIS Sleep Disturbance Scale) and depression (MDI) in relation to BMI, lumbar puncture opening pressure (LP OP) and treatment. Results Between December 2019 and February 2020, 306 patients completed the survey. 285 (93 %) were female, mean age was 36.6 years (± 10.8), mean BMI 34.2 (± 7.3) and mean LP OP at diagnosis was 37.8 cmH2O (± 9.5). 219 (72 %) of the participants were obese (BMI ≥ 30); 251 (82 %) reported severe impacting headaches, 140 (46 %) were suffering from sleep disturbances and 169 (56 %) from depression. Higher MDI scores correlated with higher BMI and increased sleep disturbances. Patients with a normalized LP opening pressure reported less headaches, less sleep disturbances and less depression than those with a constantly elevated opening pressure. Conclusions In addition to headaches and visual disturbances, sleep disturbances and depression are frequent symptoms in IIH and contribute to the patients’ burden. Structured questionnaires can help to identify IIH patients’ needs and can lead to personalized and better treatment.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Farzad Sina ◽  
Saeed Razmeh ◽  
Neda Habibzadeh ◽  
Arefeh Zavari ◽  
Mona Nabovvati

Migraine is a neurological disorder that afflicts many people in the world and can cause severe disability during the attacks. The pathophysiology of migraine is complex and not fully understood. It seems that migraine is common in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). However, the association between migraine headache and IIH is still unclear. The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of migraine headache and associated factors in IIH patients. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 68 patients diagnosed with IIH underwent a medical history interview and a neurological examination. The diagnosis of migraine was based on the four diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition. Forty-five patients (63.2%) met the diagnostic criteria of migraine headache. There was no significant difference between patients with and without migraine headache in respect of their age, gender, body mass. This study revealed high prevalence of migraine headache in IIH patients; appropriate treatment can reduce their headache and prevent unnecessary treatments for IIH.


Cephalalgia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Raggi ◽  
Marcella Curone ◽  
Stefania Bianchi Marzoli ◽  
Luisa Chiapparini ◽  
Paola Ciasca ◽  
...  

Background Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is associated with obesity, and obesity is associated with binge eating disorder (BED). The aim of this paper is to address the presence and impact of BED in patients undergoing an IIH diagnostic protocol. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Consecutive patients suspected of IIH underwent neurological, neuro-ophthalmologic and psychological examinations, neuroimaging studies and intracranial pressure (ICP) measurements through lumbar puncture in the recumbent position. IIH diagnosis was based on International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd Edition criteria; BED diagnosis was based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition criteria. The presence of oligoclonal bands (OCBs) in the cerebrospinal fluid was also assessed. Results Forty-five patients were enrolled: 33 were diagnosed with IIH and five of them (15%) were obese with BED. Compared to non-obese patients, those who were obese, and particularly those who were obese with BED, were more likely to have an IIH diagnosis (χ2 = 14.3; p = 0.001), ICP > 200 mmH2O (χ2 = 12.7; p = 0.002) and history of abuse or neglect (χ2 = 11.2; p = 0.004). No association with OCBs was found. Conclusions We reported for the first time the presence of BED among patients with IIH and showed that BED is associated to IIH, ICP and history of abuse or neglect.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Buaphrao Raphiphatthana ◽  
Paul Jose ◽  
Karen Salmon

Abstract. Grit, that is, perseverance and passion for long-term goals, is a novel construct that has gained attention in recent years ( Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, & Kelly, 2007 ). To date, little research has been performed with the goal of identifying the antecedents of grit. Thus, in order to fill this gap in the literature, self-report data were collected to examine whether mindfulness, a mindset of being-in-the-present in a nonjudgmental way, plays a role in fostering grittiness. Three hundred and forty-three undergraduate students completed an online survey once in a cross-sectional study, and of these, 74 students completed the survey again 4.5 months later. Although the cross-sectional analyses identified a number of positive associations between mindfulness and grit, the longitudinal analysis revealed that the mindfulness facets of acting with awareness and non-judging were the most important positive predictors of grit 4.5 months later. This set of findings offers implications for future grit interventions.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Alakchar ◽  
Abdisamad M. Ibrahim ◽  
Mohsin Salih ◽  
Mukul Bhattarai ◽  
Nitin Tandan ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Interpretation of electrocardiograms (EKG) is an essential tool for every physician. Despite this, the diagnosis of life-threatening pathology on EKG remains suboptimal in trainees. The purpose of this study is to study resident attitudes and behaviours towards EKGs, and describe an innovative way to teach EKGs. OBJECTIVE Study attitudes and behaviours towards EKGs. Describe an innovative way to teach EKGs. METHODS Design: An observational cross-sectional study through an anonymous online survey of resident attitudes and comfort with EKG interpretation. This was followed by creation of a WhatsApp group for discussion and interpretation of EKGs with peers. At the end of the day, the official EKG interpretation was posted. Setting: Internal medicine residency at Southern Illinois University. Participants: Internal medicine residents Interventions: Creation of WhatsApp group to aid with EKG interpretation Measurements: A 17 item questionnaire, followed by detection of degree of participation in a WhatsApp group. RESULTS Forty-one out of 63 residents (65%) completed the survey. 85% of respondents thought that an interactive way to teach EKGs is the best method of teaching, and 73% did not feel confident interpreting EKGs. 30% often rely on automated EKG interpretation. Further analysis indicated that PGY-1 residents reported ordering fewer EKGs (correlation coefficient -0.399, p = 0.012) and were uncomfortable diagnosing QT prolongation on an EKG (correlation coefficient -0.310, p = 0.049). Residents in the third or greater year of training ordered more EKGs (correlation coefficient 0.379, p = 0.015), less frequently relied on the computer for EKG diagnosis (correlation coefficient 0.399, p = 0.010), and were comfortable diagnosing an acute myocardial infarction and atrial arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, most IM trainees do not feel comfortable interpreting EKG, however, this does improve with PGY year. WhatsApp is a possible platform for teaching EKGs.


Author(s):  
Christina Brogårdh ◽  
Catharina Sjödahl Hammarlund ◽  
Frida Eek ◽  
Kjerstin Stigmar ◽  
Ingrid Lindgren ◽  
...  

Currently, there is limited knowledge on how the Swedish strategy with more lenient public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced people’s life satisfaction. Here, we investigated self-reported life satisfaction during the first wave of the pandemic in Sweden, and perceived changes in life satisfaction in relation to various sociodemographic factors. A total of 1082 people (mean age 48 (SD 12.2); 82% women) responded to an online survey during autumn 2020 including the “Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11”. A majority (69%) were satisfied with life as a whole, and with other important life domains, with the exception of contact with friends and sexual life. An equal share reported that life as a whole had either deteriorated (28%) or improved (29%). Of those that perceived a deterioration, 95% considered it to be due to the pandemic. Regarding deteriorated satisfaction with life as a whole, higher odds were found in the following groups: having no children living at home; being middle aged; having other sources of income than being employed; and having a chronic disease. The Swedish strategy might have contributed to the high proportion of satisfied people. Those who perceived a deterioration in life satisfaction may, however, need attention from Swedish Welfare Authorities.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document