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Long-term Follow-up of Idiopathic Intracranial
Hypertension: The Iowa Experience
Shah YA, Kardon RH, et al.
Posted: October 2008  
Neurology  2008;70:634-640

Objective:   To evaluate recurrent or delayed worsening of papilledema and visual function in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) followed for more than 10 years.

Methods:   This is a retrospective chart review of 410 patients with the diagnosis of IIH. Of the 410 patients, 20 patients were followed over 10 years.

Results:   Of the 20 patients, 11 demonstrated a stable course of disease without worsening in papilledema or visual field, and 9 patients worsened after a stable course. Of these 9 patients, 6 patients experienced delayed worsening, and 3 patients had recurrence after resolution of papilledema 12 to 78 months from initial resolution of the IIH.

Conclusion:   Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a chronic condition that may worsen after a period of stability, warranting long-term follow-up.